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
Similar quotes
I mentioned the non-competitive spirit explicitly, because these days, excellence is a fashionable concept. But excellence is a competitive notion, and that is not what we are heading for: we are heading for perfection.
Edsger DijkstraRead
I must try to be alone for part of each year...and part of each day...in order to keep my core, my center...Women must be still as the axis of a wheel in the midst of her activities. She must be the pioneer of achieving this stillness, not only for her own salvation, but for the salvation of family life, of society, perhaps even of our civilization.
Anne Morrow LindberghRead
While I'm dreaming, Wake up screaming, Cuz I can hear them suckas scheming.
Tupac ShakurRead
Speak only endearing speech, speech that is welcomed. Speech, when it brings no evil to others, is pleasant.
Gautama BuddhaRead
Perhaps every time anyone is praised it means that someone else somewhere is going to be ignored
Margaret MahyRead
No man ever became great or good except through many and great mistakes.
William E. GladstoneRead