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
I will not yield to any man contrary to what is right, for fear of death, even if I should die at once for not yielding.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of standing firm for one's convictions, even in the face of death.
Socrates expresses his unwavering commitment to righteousness and personal integrity, asserting that he would rather face death than compromise his beliefs. This reinforces the idea that moral principles should guide one's actions, regardless of the consequences, and highlights the value of courage in defending one's truths.
Themes
CourageIntegrityConvictionMoralityFear
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about standing up for one's beliefs, one could use this quote to illustrate the importance of courage.
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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