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
If you want to be wrong then follow the masses.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of independent thinking and not simply conforming to popular opinion.
Socrates suggests that following the crowd without critical thought often leads to mistakes and poor decisions. The quote underscores the value of individual reasoning and the potential pitfalls of succumbing to societal pressures, encouraging individuals to seek their own truths rather than accepting mainstream beliefs.
Themes
Independent ThinkingCrowd MentalityCritical ThoughtIndividualityPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about leadership, one might say, 'Remember, if you want to be wrong, then follow the masses.'
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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