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 all of us desire to be happy, and since we evidently become so on account of our use—that is our good use—of other things, and since knowledge is what provides this goodness of use and also good fortune, every man must, as seems plausible, prepare himself by every means for this: to be as wise as possible. Right?
Interpretation
What this quote means
Happiness comes from wisely using knowledge and resources.
This quote suggests that happiness is a universal desire, and it asserts that the key to achieving happiness lies in our ability to wisely use knowledge and resources. Socrates emphasizes the importance of knowledge in making good decisions that lead to happiness, indicating that individuals should strive for wisdom to enhance their quality of life.
Themes
HappinessKnowledgeWisdomGood UseLife
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal development, one could say, 'As Socrates pointed out, to be truly happy, we must prepare ourselves with wisdom.'
More from Socrates
All quotes →The 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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