---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: …I am inclined to think that these…"
description: "\"“…I am inclined to think that these muscles and bones of mine would have gone off long ago to Megara or Boeotia—by the dog they would, if they had been..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed2/plato-103_animal_i-am-inclined-to-think-that-these-muscle_2928003.jpg"
---

#  …I am inclined to think that these muscles and bones of…

![“…I am inclined to think that these muscles and bones of mine would have gone off long ago to Megara or Boeotia—by the dog they would, if they had been moved only by their own idea of what was best. (tr Jowett)” quote by Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed2/plato-103_animal_i-am-inclined-to-think-that-these-muscle_2928003.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed2/plato-103_animal_i-am-inclined-to-think-that-these-muscle_2928003.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ed2/plato-103_animal_i-am-inclined-to-think-that-these-muscle_2928003.jpg)

> ““…I am inclined to think that these muscles and bones of mine would have gone off long ago to Megara or Boeotia—by the dog they would, if they had been moved only by their own idea of what was best. (tr Jowett)””

[Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plato/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Human nature tends to follow its own perceived best, even if it leads to self-destruction.

**In simple terms:** People follow their own ideas of what’s best.

Key Takeaway

Question the motives behind your actions.

Themes

self‑interest philosophy human nature

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical ethical

When to use this quote

- personal decision making
- political leadership
- ethical dilemmas
- health choices

Key Concepts

autonomy self‑deception

Questions to Reflect On

- What guides your notion of “best”?
- How do you balance personal desire with collective good?

A Different Perspective

Blindly following personal ideas can be harmful.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Animal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/animal/) [Boeotia Dog](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/boeotia-dog-4301236/) [Inclined Think](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/inclined-think-1146595/) [Long ago](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/long-ago/) [Materialism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/materialism/) [Megara Boeotia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/megara-boeotia-4301237/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Think Muscles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/think-muscles-1593595/)

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