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
Nothing is to be preferred before justice.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Justice is the highest virtue and should be prioritized above all else.
This quote by Socrates emphasizes the paramount importance of justice in human life. It suggests that all actions and decisions should be guided by a sense of fairness and equity, indicating that justice is a foundational principle that should take precedence over personal gain or preference.
Themes
JusticeSocratesVirtueEthicsFairness
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about moral principles, you can reference this quote to emphasize the importance of justice.
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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