--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Socrates, when informed of some…" description: "\"Socrates, when informed of some derogating speeches one had used concerning him behind his back, made only this facetious reply, \"Let him beat me too w..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a3/jean-de-la-fontaine-2320_absent_socrates-when-informed-of-some-derogatin_2893020.jpg" --- # Socrates, when informed of some derogating speeches one… ![“Socrates, when informed of some derogating speeches one had used concerning him behind his back, made only this facetious reply, "Let him beat me too when I am absent.” quote by Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a3/jean-de-la-fontaine-2320_absent_socrates-when-informed-of-some-derogatin_2893020.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a3/jean-de-la-fontaine-2320_absent_socrates-when-informed-of-some-derogatin_2893020.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6a3/jean-de-la-fontaine-2320_absent_socrates-when-informed-of-some-derogatin_2893020.jpg) > “Socrates, when informed of some derogating speeches one had used concerning him behind his back, made only this facetious reply, "Let him beat me too when I am absent.” [Jean de La Fontaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-de-la-fontaine/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Socrates humorously accepts criticism, showing indifference to gossip when absent. **In simple terms:** He says he doesn't care about rumors about him. Key Takeaway Accept criticism calmly. Themes humor philosophy resilience Mood lighthearted reflective Type aphilosophical humorous When to use this quote - public speaking - online criticism - personal reputation - team meetings Key Concepts Stoicism social perception Questions to Reflect On - How do you stay composed when criticized? - What does this reveal about personal confidence? A Different Perspective May not address deeper hurt feelings. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Absent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/absent/) [Beats](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/beats/) [Behinds](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/behinds/) [Communication](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/communication/) [Derogating](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/derogating-4073573/) [Derogating Speeches](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/derogating-speeches-4073570/) [Facetious](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/facetious/) [Facetious Reply](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/facetious-reply-4073571/) [Informed Derogating](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/informed-derogating-4073574/) [Made](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/made/) [Scandal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scandal/) [Socrates Informed](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/socrates-informed-4073572/) [Speech](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/speech/) [Used](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/used/) ## Related quotes > [MR. KHARIS: 'Does Mr. Celine seriously suggest that the United States Government is in need of a guardian?' MR. CELINE: 'I am merely offering…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-anton-wilson/mr-kharis-does-mr-celine-seriously-suggest-that-the-united-states/) [Robert Anton Wilson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-anton-wilson/) > [I don't want to sound facetious, but humour is the key to the soul. 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