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
The shortest and surest way to live with honor in the world, is to be in reality what we would appear to be, all human virtues increase and strengthen themselves by the practice and experience of them.
Interpretation
Living honorably requires authenticity, and practicing virtues strengthens them.
This quote by Socrates emphasizes the importance of authenticity in one's character. To live honorably, one must genuinely embody the virtues they represent, as true integrity leads to the enhancement of those virtues through continuous practice and experience. Socrates suggests that by being true to ourselves, we allow our human virtues to flourish, thus improving our lives and the lives of those around us.
In practice
In a speech about personal ethics and integrity, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of being true to oneself.
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.
The poets are only the interpreters of the gods.
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.
The unexamined life is not worth living.
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.
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.
It could be that one of the greatest hindrances to evangelism is the poverty of our own experience.
We give it up and just look directly with compassion and humor at who we are. Then loneliness is no threat and heartache, no punishment.
The wiser a man is, the less talkative will he be.
You are too young to know how the world changes everyday,' said Mrs Creakle, 'and how the people in it pass away. But we all have to learn it, David; some of us when we are young, some of us when we are old, some of us at all times in our lives.
I was raised to sense what someone wanted me to be and be that kind of person. It took me a long time not to judge myself through someone else's eyes.
Dream tonight of peacock tails, Diamond fields and spouter whales. Ills are many, blessing few, But dreams tonight will shelter you.
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