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
Whatever authority I may have rests solely on knowing how little I know.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Acknowledging one's ignorance is a sign of true wisdom and understanding.
This quote by Socrates emphasizes the importance of humility and self-awareness in the pursuit of knowledge. By recognizing that there is always more to learn and that one's own knowledge is limited, individuals can remain open to new ideas and perspectives, leading to deeper understanding and growth.
Themes
KnowledgeIgnoranceWisdomHumilityLearning
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about education, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of lifelong learning.
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
Americans are like a rich father who wishes he knew how to give his son the hardships that made him rich.
Robert FrostRead
You don't have to turn this into something. It doesn't have to upset you. Things can't shape our decisions by themselves.
Marcus AureliusRead
We never know what God has up His sleeve. You never know what might happen; you only know what you have to do now.
Elisabeth ElliotRead
Don't follow it blindly into every dark alley. Always remember that you are not a model or a mannequin for which the fashion is created.
Marlene DietrichRead
When you eventually see through the veils to how things really are, you will keep saying again and again, this is certainly not like we thought it was.
RumiRead
All things being equal, letting people make decisions for themselves will produce smarter outcomes, collectively, than relying on government planners.
James SurowieckiRead