Socrates

Philosopher

Socrates was a classical Greek philosopher known for his contributions to ethics and epistemology, particularly through the Socratic method.

Born
circa 470 BC
Died
399 BC
Quotes
426
Rank
#11

About Socrates

Socrates — Life and Legacy

Socrates, a pivotal figure in Western philosophy, is renowned for his contributions to ethics and epistemology. He is best known for his method of questioning, which encourages critical thinking and self-examination. His assertion that 'The unexamined life is not worth living' underscores the significance he placed on introspection and the pursuit of knowledge. Socrates believed that true wisdom comes from recognizing one's limitations and questioning established beliefs. Through dialogues recorded by his students, particularly Plato, Socrates challenged the status quo by promoting the idea that knowledge is not merely about accumulating facts but understanding oneself. His famous declaration, 'I know that I am intelligent because I know that I know nothing,' reflects his belief in the importance of humility in the quest for truth. This approach not only laid the groundwork for future philosophical inquiry but also emphasized the necessity of perpetual questioning in the search for wisdom. Socrates' ideas continue to resonate today, encouraging individuals to think critically and engage deeply with their beliefs. His legacy as the father of Western philosophy is rooted in his commitment to dialogue and the belief that examining one's life is essential for personal and intellectual growth.

Quote collection

Socrates quotes (page 1 of 22)

426 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Socrates Philosopher
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"Most people, including ourselves, live in a world of relative ignorance. We are even comfortable with that ignorance, because it is all we know. When we first start facing truth, the process may be frightening, and many people run back to their old lives. But if you continue to seek truth, you will eventually be able to handle it better. In fact, you want more! It's true that many people around you now may think you are weird or even a danger to society, but you don't care. Once you've tasted the truth, you won't ever want to go back to being ignorant"

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Socrates Philosopher
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"Falling down is not a failure. Failure comes when you stay where you have fallen."

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Socrates Philosopher
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"The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less."

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Socrates Philosopher
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"No one can teach, if by teaching we mean the transmission of knowledge, in any mechanical fashion, from one person to another. The most that can be done is that one person who is more knowledgeable than another can, by asking a series of questions, stimulate the other to think, and so cause him to learn for himself."

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Socrates Philosopher
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"Obligation sends the children to bed on time, but love tucks the covers in around their necks and passes out kisses and hugs. Yesterday is about experience; tomorrow is about hope; today is about transitioning from one to the other. The happiest people on earth don't have the best of everything... they make the best of everything I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think."

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Socrates Philosopher
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"Do it because it's in your heart. Not because you want something in return. Employ your time in improving yourself by other men's writings, so that you shall gain easily what others have labored hard for."

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Socrates Philosopher
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"True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us."

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Socrates Philosopher
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"Serenity, regularity, absence of vanity,Sincerity, simplicity, veracity, equanimity, Fixity, non-irritability, adaptability, Humility, tenacity, integrity, nobility, magnanimity, charity, generosity, purity. Practise daily these eighteen "ities" You will soon attain immortality."

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Socrates Philosopher
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"If you want to be wrong then follow the masses."

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Socrates Philosopher
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"Trust not a woman when she weeps, for it is her nature to weep when she wants her will."

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Socrates Philosopher
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"When a woman is allowed to become a man's equal, she becomes his superior."

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Socrates Philosopher
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"Bad men live that they may eat and drink, whereas good men eat and drink that they may live."

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