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
Whatever authority I may have rests solely on knowing how little I know.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Acknowledging one's ignorance is a sign of true wisdom and understanding.
This quote by Socrates emphasizes the importance of humility and self-awareness in the pursuit of knowledge. By recognizing that there is always more to learn and that one's own knowledge is limited, individuals can remain open to new ideas and perspectives, leading to deeper understanding and growth.
Themes
KnowledgeIgnoranceWisdomHumilityLearning
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about education, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of lifelong learning.
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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Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering an enemy that is already defeated.
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King old ladies assure us that cats are often the best judges of character. A cat will always to to a good man, they say.
Virginia WoolfRead
After a time," said old Mathers disregarding me, "I mercifully perceived the errors of my ways and the unhappy destination I would reach unless I mended them. I retired from the world in order to try to comprehend it and to find out why it becomes more unsavoury as the years accumulate on a man's body. What do you think I discovered at the end of my meditations?" I felt pleased again. He was now questioning me. "What?" "That No is a better word than Yes," he replied.
Flann O'BrienRead
The necessary thing for anyone to be happy and contented as long as he lives is working for the ones who will come after him rather than working for himself... One can reach the true delight and happiness in the life only by working for the existence, honor, and happiness of the future generations.
Mustafa Kemal AtaturkRead
...I returned to walking up the mountain, and there, in the dim asexual beauty of reddening dawns and skies that firmed to blue, I discovered my real and appropriate strengths.
Mark HelprinRead
If you can't beat 'em, confuse 'em.
Harry S. TrumanRead