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
I desire only to know the truth, and to live as well as I can...And, to the utmost of my power, I exhort all other men to do the same...I exhort you also to take part in the great combat, which is the combat of life, and greater than every other earthly conflict.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the pursuit of truth and the encouragement for others to engage in the challenges of life.
Socrates expresses a deep desire for knowledge and truth while advocating for everyone to strive toward this goal. He suggests that life is a significant struggle, often described as a 'combat,' where understanding and living truthfully is paramount to overcoming the challenges we face.
Themes
TruthLifeCombatKnowledgePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about facing life's challenges, this quote can inspire listeners to seek truth and strive for personal growth.
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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