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
Similar quotes
It is the unknown that excites the ardor of scholars, who, in the known alone, would shrivel up with boredom.
Wallace StevensRead
When you blame yourself, you learn from it. If you blame someone else, you don't learn nothing, cause hey, it's not your fault, it's his fault, over there.
Joe StrummerRead
Get correct views of life, and learn to see the world in its true light. It will enable you to live pleasantly, to do good, and, when summoned away, to leave without regret.
Robert E. LeeRead
History, mythology, and folktales are filled with stories of people punished for saying the truth. Only the Fool, exempt from society's rules, is allowed to speak with complete freedom.
Jane HirshfieldRead
Some people possess talent, others are possessed by it. When that happens, a talent becomes a curse.
Rod SerlingRead
There is one appointed supreme executioner. Truly, trying to take the place of the supreme executioner is like trying to carve wood like a master carpenter. Of those who try to carve wood like a master carpenter, there are few who do not injure their hands.
LaoziRead