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 the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser.
Interpretation
What this quote means
When arguments fail, people often resort to insults instead of reasoning.
This quote by Socrates highlights a common tendency in debates and discussions where, when one side cannot win through reasoned arguments, they may resort to personal attacks or slander. It serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining civility and honor in discussions, regardless of the outcome, and emphasizes the value of rational discourse over emotional retaliation.
Themes
DebateSlanderDiscourseReasoningInsult
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about political views, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of respectful dialogue.
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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Those who deny the right of a jury to protect an individual in resisting an unjust law of the government, deny him all defence whatsoever against oppression.
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