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
If a man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True worth is determined by how one uses their wealth, not merely by the wealth itself.
This quote by Socrates suggests that pride in material wealth is not enough to warrant praise; it is essential to consider how that wealth is utilized. A person's character and contributions to society are revealed through the actions and intentions behind their financial resources, highlighting the importance of responsible stewardship over mere accumulation.
Themes
WealthPrideCharacterValuesResponsibility
In practice
Example use cases
During a financial literacy seminar, to emphasize the importance of responsible spending.
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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