Socrates is an iconic figure in the history of Western thought.. Together with Plato, his disciple, and Aristotle, a student of the latter, makes up the most influential triumvirate of ancient philosophy.
Recognized as the father of ethicsSocrates established the foundations for the systematic study of human behavior and moral values. His focus on critical questioning and dialogue, known as the Socratic method or maieutics, revolutionized the way we approach knowledge and the search for truth.
The influence of Socrates transcends time and cultural boundaries. His ideas about virtue, self-knowledge, and the importance of ethical reasoning are still very present in contemporary philosophy and society in general. He socratic legacy He not only laid the foundation for the development of Western philosophy, but also inspired generations of thinkers to critically examine their beliefs and values.
The philosophy of Socrates
Socrates was born around 470 BC. C. in Athens and, although he initially worked as a sculptor (like his father), he soon opted for philosophy.
He grew up during the golden age of Periclean Athens, served with distinction as a soldier, but became best known as someone who I questioned everything and everyone. His teaching style, known today as the socratic methoddid not involve transmitting knowledge, but rather asking one question after another until his disciples reached their own conclusions.
At 70 years old, He was sentenced to death at the hands of his fellow citizens accused of impiety and corruption of youth. Although he could have avoided his fate, he preferred to drink from a cup of hemlock and that is how he ended his life in the year 399 BC. c.
20 phrases from Socrates to reflect on
Although Socrates did not write anything in his own handwritinghis sentences and philosophical thoughts are well reflected in the works of his disciples, especially Plato, who collected his dialogues with his teacher. Below we have compiled 20 of his most well-known and inspiring phrases.
9. «I can’t teach anyone anything. I can only make them think.»
He knowledge acquired through personal effort and reflection It is much more valuable than knowledge transmitted uncritically.4.
10. «Envy is the ulcer of the soul.»
Envy is a useless emotion that not only does it not improve our situation, but it also diminishes our ability to find joy.
11. «Sometimes walls are built, not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to tear them down.»
Emotional barriers are often a form of test the strength and sincerity of relationshipsmore than simply a self-protection strategy.
12. «The secret to change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.»
If we focus on build a better futurewe can move forward and leave behind the bad things of the past.
13. «The noblest path is not to subjugate others, but to perfect oneself.»
A phrase that highlights the moral and practical value of self-improvement in the face of how harmful it is to crush others.
14.»I only know that I don’t know anything«
This is one of the most famous quotes from Socrateswho believed that human wisdom begins with the recognition of one’s own ignorance.
15. «It is better to change your mind than to persist in the wrong one.»
A reminder that true wisdom lies in the willingness to leave behind erroneous ideas and align with what is really right and true.
16. «Humanity is made up of two types of people: the wise who know they are fools and the fools who think they are wise.»
The more you know, the more you realize how much you don’t know.
17. «Strong minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, weak minds discuss people.»
A reminder to raise the quality of conversations and focus on what fosters growth.
18. «He who is not happy with what he has will not be content with what he would like to have.»
True satisfaction comes from within. External circumstances and possessions cannot provide lasting happiness.
19. «False words are not evil in themselves, but they infect the soul with evil.»
Lies corrode the soul and lead to internal conflicts and long-term psychological and emotional damage.
20. «Perhaps death is the greatest blessing of human beings.»
If we accept death as part of the human experiencewe will be able to live more fully, without the paralyzing fear of what comes after life.
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