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
In all of us, even in good men, there is a lawless wild-beast nature, which peers out in sleep.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humans have an inherent wildness that can emerge, even in those who are generally good.
This quote by Socrates reflects on the duality of human nature, suggesting that within every individual, even those with noble intentions, there exists a primal, untamed aspect that can come to the surface, especially in moments of vulnerability or introspection. It implies a universal struggle between civilized behavior and our more instinctual, chaotic urges, prompting us to consider the complexities of our moral character.
Themes
Human NatureWildnessGoodnessInner ConflictDuality
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophy seminar discussing human nature, one might quote Socrates to illustrate the complexities of moral character.
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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Crime is naught but misdirected energy.
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If we open our history books, we shall see that the laws, for all that they are or should be contracts amongst free men, have rarely been anything but the tools of the passions of a few men or the offspring of a fleeting and haphazard necessity.
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You say 'I' and you are proud of this word. But greater than this- although you will not believe in it - is your body and its great intelligence, which does not say 'I' but performs 'I'.
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I don't mourn the loss of my childhood; I mourn because everything, including (my) childhood, is lost.
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