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
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Life is unpredictable and shaped by our experiences, leading us to wisdom and peace.
This quote reflects on the unpredictability of life and the journey of personal growth. Socrates expresses how, in youth, he held an orderly view of life but later recognized the fluidity and complexity of existence. Each experience, choice, and path contributes to our development as individuals, guiding us toward wisdom and inner peace, while life remains an enigma that consistently unfolds in unforeseen ways.
Themes
LifeJourneyWisdomChangeMystery
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a graduation speech to remind graduates about the unpredictability of life.
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
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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The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves, in all cases to which they think themselves competent, or they may act by representatives, freely and equally chosen; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed; that they are entitled to freedom of person, freedom of religion, freedom of property, and freedom of the press.
Thomas JeffersonRead