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 what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of speaking only what is true, good, and useful.
Socrates suggests that communication should be meaningful, focusing on truthfulness, morality, and utility. In a world filled with noise and misinformation, the quote prompts individuals to reflect on the value and impact of their words, advocating for a dialogue that enriches rather than depletes understanding and connection.
Themes
TruthGoodnessUsefulnessCommunicationWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate, one might use this quote to encourage honesty and substance in arguments.
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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Follow not truth too near the heels, lest it dash out thy teeth.
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Discretion of speech is more than eloquence, and to speak agreeably to him with whom we deal is more than to speak in good words, or in good order.
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