QuoteGeekFor the lines that stay with you.

Themes

The beginning is the most important part of the work.

— Plato

A terracotta tile on sand beneath a hanging brass plumb bob, with stacked tiles nearby.
Original artwork
Behind the line May contain spoilers.

Our reading

An editorial interpretation.

The speaker gives the beginning greater importance than any other part of a task. One reading treats the opening as the point that sets later work in motion. The short sentence concentrates attention on starting, making that first stage carry unusual weight.

Context reviewed

Share this quote