Do you feel no compunction, Socrates, at having followed a…
““Do you feel no compunction, Socrates, at having followed a line of action which puts you in danger of the death penalty?' I might fairly reply to him, 'You are mistaken, my friend, if you think that a man who is worth anything ought to spend his time weighing up the prospects of life and death. He has only one thing to consider in performing any action--that is, whether he is acting rightly or wrongly, like a good man or a bad one.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Socrates argues that moral judgment, not personal safety, should guide actions; a good person acts rightly regardless of risk.
In simple terms: Do what is right, not what is safe.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize virtue over fear.
Themes
ethics
courage
morality
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical.
When to use this quote
- political activism
- whistleblowing
- civil disobedience
- personal integrity
Key Concepts
virtue ethics
moral philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ever justified to prioritize self‑preservation over principle?
- How do we assess the moral weight of dangerous actions?
A Different Perspective
Risk may lead to loss of life, which can outweigh moral duty for some.