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
Remember what is unbecoming to do is also unbecoming to speak of.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Avoid discussing actions that go against one's values or character.
This quote by Socrates emphasizes the importance of aligning our words with our values and actions. It suggests that if something is considered unbecoming to do, it is equally inappropriate to speak about it, as discussing such topics may reflect poorly on our character and integrity.
Themes
ValuesIntegrityCharacterSpeechWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a community meeting, one might reference this quote to encourage respectful dialogue.
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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