...[Y]ou know very well the truth of what I [say]... I…
![“...[Y]ou know very well the truth of what I [say]... I have incurred a great deal of bitter hostility; and this is what will bring about my destruction, if anything does... the slander and jealousy of a very large section of the people. They have been fatal to a great many other innocent men, and…” quote by Socrates](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/864/socrates-405_courage_y-ou-know-very-well-the-truth-of-what-i_1457970.jpg)
““...[Y]ou know very well the truth of what I [say]... I have incurred a great deal of bitter hostility; and this is what will bring about my destruction, if anything does... the slander and jealousy of a very large section of the people. They have been fatal to a great many other innocent men, and I suppose will continue to be so; there is no likelihood that they will stop at me. But perhaps someone will say '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...['] The truth of the matter is this, gentlemen. Where a man has once taken up his stand, either because it seems best to him or in obedience to his orders, there I believe he is bound to remain and face the danger, taking no account of death or anything else before dishonour.””
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 integrity outweighs fear of death; a good person must act rightly regardless of consequences.
In simple terms: Do what is right, not what is safe.
Key Takeaway
Choose principle over self‑preservation.
Themes
integrity
courage
honor
philosophy
Mood
serious
reflective
determined
Type
philosophical
ethical
historical
When to use this quote
- court trial
- political dissent
- personal conviction
- public criticism
Key Concepts
ethical duty
moral absolutism
virtue ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you risk to stay true to your values?
- Is it always noble to ignore personal safety?
A Different Perspective
May lead to personal ruin or martyrdom; not everyone can sustain such resolve.