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
From the deepest desires often come the deadliest hate.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Deep desires can lead to intense hatred when unfulfilled or threatened.
This quote by Socrates suggests that our strongest emotions, such as deep desires or passions, can transform into negative feelings like hate when these desires are not met or become obstructed. It highlights the duality of human emotions and serves as a cautionary reminder about the potential consequences of unchecked desires.
Themes
DesiresHateEmotionsPassionPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on emotional intelligence, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of managing desires.
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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The argument that someone is a bad man is an inadequate argument for war and certainly an inadequate and unacceptable argument for regime change.
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