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
Virtue does not come from wealth, but wealth, and every other good thing which men have comes from virtue.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True value and goodness come from moral integrity rather than material wealth.
This quote by Socrates emphasizes that the foundation of true wealth and goodness lies in virtue, suggesting that moral character and ethical behavior are more important than material riches. It challenges the notion that wealth is the source of all good and instead asserts that it is the virtuous actions and qualities of individuals that lead to genuine prosperity and fulfillment.
Themes
VirtueWealthGoodnessMoral IntegrityProsperity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on ethics, one might reference this quote to highlight the importance of values over materialism.
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
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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