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
Since I am convinced that I wrong no one, I am not likely to wrong myself.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Being just towards others leads to self-respect and integrity.
This quote by Socrates emphasizes the importance of fairness and justice in oneβs interactions with others. It suggests that when a person is convinced they have acted justly and without harming anyone, they will maintain a strong sense of self-worth and moral integrity, thereby minimizing the likelihood of self-inflicted guilt or wrongdoings.
Themes
JusticeIntegrityHonorSelf-RespectMorality
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophy class discussing ethics, this quote could be used to illustrate the connection between moral actions and self-worth.
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
When men have come to the edge of a precipice, it is the lover of life who has the spirit to leap backwards, and only the pessimist who continues to believe in progress.
Gilbert K. ChestertonRead
I used to think of my body as an instrument, of pleasure, or a means of transportation, or an implement for the accomplishment of my will.
Margaret AtwoodRead
People talk of the pathos and failure of plain women; but it is a more terrible thing that a beautiful woman may succeed in everything but womanhood.
Gilbert K. ChestertonRead
What's the difference between the Lone Ranger and God? There really is a Lone Ranger.
Edward AbbeyRead
Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by rulers as useful.
Seneca The YoungerRead
But I do nothing upon myself, and yet I am my own executioner.
John DonneRead