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
The poets are only the interpreters of the gods.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Poets express the insights and messages of divine inspiration.
This quote by Socrates suggests that poets serve a unique role in society by interpreting and conveying the deeper truths and divine messages that come from the gods. It implies that poetry transcends ordinary language, acting as a bridge between the divine and human experience, allowing us to understand and connect with profound spiritual insights.
Themes
PoetryDivineInspirationInterpretationTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a poetry reading to illustrate the divine influence on creativity.
More from Socrates
All quotes βI 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
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
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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