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
In my investigation in the service of the god I found that those who had the highest reputation were nearly the most deficient, while those who were thought to be inferior were more knowledgeable.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True knowledge often resides with those who are underestimated, while those with high reputations may lack true understanding.
This quote by Socrates suggests that a person's reputation does not necessarily correlate with their actual wisdom or knowledge. In fact, it is often the case that those who are esteemed by society may be less knowledgeable than they appear, while those who are considered lesser by social standards may possess a deeper understanding of life and its complexities.
Themes
KnowledgeWisdomReputationUnderestimationIgnorance
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of humility in learning, this quote can highlight how we must look beyond appearances.
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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