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
If a man comes to the door of poetry untouched by the madness of the Muses, believing that technique alone will make him a good poet, he and his sane compositions never reach perfection, but are utterly eclipsed by the performances of the inspired madman.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Creativity requires inspiration and passion, not just technical skill.
This quote emphasizes that true artistic excellence comes from a blend of inspiration and madness rather than relying purely on technical abilities. It suggests that those who create without the passionate influence of inspiration—depicted metaphorically as the 'madness of the Muses'—will never achieve the same level of artistry as those who are driven by a deeper emotional connection to their work.
Themes
CreativityInspirationArtPoetryMadness
In practice
Example use cases
A workshop on writing poetry where discussing the balance between technique and inspiration.
More from Socrates
All quotes →The 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.
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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
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.
SocratesRead
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