A system of morality that is based on relative emotional values is a mere illusion, a thoroughly vulgar conception that has nothing sound in it and nothing true.
SocratesRead
Not life, but good life, is to be chiefly valued." "It is not living that matters, but living rightly. The unexamined life is not worth living.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Value is found in living a good life, not merely existing. True worth comes from examining and reflecting on one's life choices.
This quote by Socrates emphasizes the importance of leading a good and meaningful life rather than just going through the motions of existence. It suggests that the quality of our lives rests on our ethical and moral choices, and that self-reflection is essential in determining the worth of our lives. To Socrates, living rightly and examining our actions and beliefs gives true significance to our lives.
Themes
Good LifeExistenceReflectionChoicesMeaning
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about self-improvement, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of reflection.
More from Socrates
All quotes βThe poets are only the interpreters of the gods.
SocratesRead
I am wiser than this man, for neither of us appears to know anything great and good; but he fancies he knows something, although he knows nothing; whereas I, as I do not know anything, so I do not fancy I do. In this trifling particular, then, I appear to be wiser than he, because I do not fancy I know what I do not know.
SocratesRead
The unexamined life is not worth living.
SocratesRead
When I was young, I believed that life might unfold in an orderly way, according to my hopes and expectations. But now I understand that the Way winds like a river, always changing, ever onward.. My journeys revealed that the Way itself creates the warrior; that every path leads to peace, every choice to wisdom. And that life has always been, and will always be, arising in Mystery.
SocratesRead
The hour of departure has arrived and we go our ways; I to die, and you to live. Which is better? Only God knows.
SocratesRead
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However good a Constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad. However bad a Constitution may be, if those implementing it are good, it will prove to be good.
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