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
It is better to be at odds with the whole world than, being one, to be at odds with myself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
It's more important to be true to oneself than to conform to the expectations of society.
This quote by Socrates emphasizes the importance of inner harmony and self-acceptance over external validation. It suggests that while societal disagreements may feel daunting, the true conflict arises when one is in dissonance with their own values and beliefs. Choosing self-alignment over societal acceptance leads to a more fulfilling and authentic life.
Themes
SelfAuthenticityTruthAcceptanceSociety
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal growth, one might say, 'Remember, it is better to be at odds with the whole world than to be at odds with myself.'
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.
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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To get anywhere, or even to live a long time, a man has to guess, and guess right, over and over again, without enough data for a logical answer.
Robert A. HeinleinRead
Having unlimited choices can paralyze you creatively.
David ByrneRead
Those who have little interest in spirituality shouldn’t think that human inner values don’t apply to you. The inner peace of an alert and calm mind are the source of real happiness and good health. Our human intelligence tells us which of our emotions are positive and helpful and which are damaging and to be restrained or avoided.
Dalai LamaRead
The difficulty is, all swing thoughts decay, like radium. What burnt up the course on Wednesday has turned to lead on Sunday. Yet it does not do to have a blank mind: the terrible hugeness of the course will rush into the vacuum and the ball will spray like a thing berserk.
John UpdikeRead
Appear to know only this--never to fail nor fall.
EpictetusRead