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
Those who want the fewest things are nearest to the gods.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The fewer desires one has, the closer they are to a state of divine contentment.
This quote from Socrates suggests that simplicity and minimalism in one's desires can lead to a deeper spiritual connection or understanding. By wanting less, individuals may achieve more inner peace and fulfillment, distancing themselves from material concerns and closer to a more enlightened existence associated with the divine.
Themes
SimplicityContentmentDesiresSpiritualityMinimalism
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophy talk, one might quote Socrates to emphasize the value of living simply.
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
Similar quotes
Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves together ... Speech is too often ... the act of quite stifling and suspending thought, so that there is none to conceal ... Speech is of Time, silence is of Eternity ... It is idle to think that, by means of words, any real communication can ever pass from one man to another.
Maurice MaeterlinckRead
People do not give from the top of their purses but from the bottom of their hearts. If you desire to become a more generous person do not change your income. Change your heart.
John C. MaxwellRead
In this world of ours, a world of powerful centers and subjugated outposts, there is no wealth that must not be held in some suspicion.
Eduardo GaleanoRead
You won't discover the limits of the soul, however far you go.
HeraclitusRead
Consideration for others is the basis of a good life, a good society.
ConfuciusRead
The reason we care so much about what happens to the likes of Lady Gaga is not because her shenanigans will ever impact our lives; rather because our brain doesn't realize there's a difference between rock stars we know about and relatives we know.
Peter DiamandisRead