Apply yourself both now and in the next life. Without effort, you cannot be prosperous. Though the land be good, You cannot have an abundant crop without cultivation.
- Plato

    Since I will be traveling to Greece in a few months, I have decided to start a series of posts on Greek philosophy, myths and legends.  This is the first.

    In this quote, Plato is telling us quite simply that results come from work, usually hard work.  Those who want success in business must work for it.  The farmer must work hard to bring in a crop.  The same is true for spiritual development.  Those who want to be ready for the next life must work hard in this life to develop her spiritual side.  You can't wait until your dead to do it.  That is way too late.  The second sentence of this quote also tells us that just because "the land be good", i.e., the time and place is good for spiritual development, doesn't mean it will happen to you without effort on your part.  In short, by appearing in the Sun of Righteousness as promised by the prophet Malachi, God has descended as close to our level as possible.  It is now up to us to rise up to him.