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Employed Quote by Socrates

“I call that man idle who might be better employed.” quote by Socrates
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“I call that man idle who might be better employed.”

Socrates

About This Quote

Source Dialogue: Apology, Plato, 399 BC

A person who is not productively contributing is considered idle, implying a moral duty to use one's abilities wisely.

In simple terms: Idle means not using one's talents.

Key Takeaway

Seek purposeful work.

Themes

responsibility productivity ethics

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • employment
  • volunteering
  • personal development

Key Concepts

utilitarianism duty potential

Questions to Reflect On

  • What talents are you underusing?
  • How can you redirect idle time?
A Different Perspective

Idle may be a judgment without context.

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