Socrates Quotes (Author of Apología de Sócrates) (2024)

“I examined the poets, and I look on them as people whose talent overawes both themselves and others, people who present themselves as wise men and are taken as such, when they are nothing of the sort.

From poets, I moved to artists. No one was more ignorant about the arts than I; no one was more convinced that artists possessed really beautiful secrets. However, I noticed that their condition was no better than that of the poets and that both of them have the same misconceptions. Because the most skillful among them excel in their specialty, they look upon themselves as the wisest of men. In my eyes, this presumption completely tarnished their knowledge. As a result, putting myself in the place of the oracle and asking myself what I would prefer to be — what I was or what they were, to know what they have learned or to know that I know nothing — I replied to myself and to the god: I wish to remain who I am.

We do not know — neither the sophists, nor the orators, nor the artists, nor I— what the True, the Good, and the Beautiful are. But there is this difference between us: although these people know nothing, they all believe they know something; whereas, I, if I know nothing, at least have no doubts about it. As a result, all this superiority in wisdom which the oracle has attributed to me reduces itself to the single point that I am strongly convinced that I am ignorant of what I do not know.”
Socrates

Socrates Quotes  (Author of Apología de Sócrates) (2024)

FAQs

Socrates Quotes (Author of Apología de Sócrates)? ›

To find yourself, think for yourself. Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel. By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher. He who is not contented with what he has, would not be contented with what he would like to have.

What was Socrates most famous quote? ›

I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing. The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.

What are the 3 ideas of Socrates? ›

We look at his exhortation to 'care for your soul', his conviction that knowledge of virtue is necessary to become virtuous, his belief that all evil acts are committed out of ignorance and hence involuntarily, and finally his presumption that committing an injustice is far worse than suffering an injustice.

What are 5 quotes of Plato? ›

“Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance.” “If a man neglects education, he walks lame to the end of his life.” “All men are by nature equal, made all of the same earth by one workman.” “Books give a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.”

What Socrates said about education? ›

Socrates says that those fit for a guardian's education must by nature be "philosophic, spirited, swift, and strong" (376 c). The guardians must be lovers of learning like "noble puppies" who determine what is familiar and foreign by "knowledge and ignorance" (376 b).

What did Socrates say about life? ›

He defined a good life as one living according to virtue. “Virtue is knowledge,” Socrates said. According to Socrates, a good life is guided by reason, virtue, and moral principles. He believed that pursuing knowledge, self-improvement, and personal growth are essential to living a good life.

What are the five dialogues of Socrates? ›

Five Dialogues: Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, Phaedo.

What are the four pillars of Socrates? ›

In books II and Iv of Plato's Republic, Socrates introduces and describes the four chief virtues needed for justice to thrive in a polis He presents them as Courage, Moderation, Justice and Wisdom.

What was Socrates main belief? ›

Socrates believed that no one does wrong voluntarily. Evil is the result of ignorance. If people knew what was the right thing to do they would do it. We always choose what we think is the best or good for us.

What is Plato's famous line? ›

Plato Quotes

Here are some of Plato's most famous quotes: “Love is a serious mental disease.” “When the mind is thinking it is talking to itself.” “Human behavior flows from three main sources: desire, emotion and knowledge.”

What is Aristotle's most famous quote? ›

You will never do anything in this world without courage.

What is the best philosophy quote? ›

Quotable Quotes
  • The unexamined life is not worth living. - ...
  • Many people would sooner die than think. ...
  • The feeling of wonder is the mark of the philosopher, for all philosophy begins in wonder. - ...
  • Philosophy is the highest music. -

Who taught Socrates? ›

Along with Diotima, Aspasia was one of the two women philosophers whom Plato recognised as teachers of Socrates. Her biography is subject to debate, but she is still famous for her knowledge of rhetoric and her skill in debate.

What is self for Socrates? ›

Socrates believed that the “self” exists in two parts.

body and soul are attached, therefore making both parts of our “self” present in the physical realm. When we die however, our body stays in the physical realm while our soul travels to the ideal realm, therefore making our soul immortal.

What did Socrates accomplish? ›

Socrates of Athens (l. c. 470/469-399 BCE) is among the most famous figures in world history for his contributions to the development of ancient Greek philosophy which provided the foundation for all of Western Philosophy. He is, in fact, known as the "Father of Western Philosophy" for this reason.

What did Socrates last words mean? ›

His words suggest that physician healers, like Asklepios, have a moral obligation to speak out for the weak, vulnerable, sick, and suffering. On a societal level, Socrates uses his last words to thwart the Athenian authorities' attempt to silence him. Like Asklepios, he is executed for his commitment to healing.

Who said Socrates was the wisest? ›

When told that the Oracle of Delphi had revealed to one of his friends that Socrates was the wisest man in Athens, he responded not by boasting or celebrating, but by trying to prove the Oracle wrong.

Did Socrates say know thyself? ›

When Socrates, an Athenian moral philosopher, cautioned “man know thyself” most scholars were inclined to have construed it from a banal perspective.

What are some quotes from Socrates Express? ›

The Socrates Express: In Search of Life Lessons from Dead...
  • Don't aim for knowledge—aim for wisdom. We're awash in information and knowledge these days, but often bereft of wisdom. ...
  • Annoy people. ...
  • Play the angles. ...
  • Don't control events—control your reactions to them. ...
  • Embrace the absurdity.
Nov 12, 2020

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