Conversations Quote by Socrates
““Perhaps someone may say 'But surely, Socrates, after you have left us you can spend the rest of your life in quietly minding your own business.' This is the hardest thing of all to make some of you understand. If I say that this would be disobedience to God, and that is why I cannot 'mind my own business', you will not believe that I am serious. If on the other hand I tell you that to let no day pass without discussing goodness and all the other subjects about which you hear me talking and examining both myself and others is really the best thing that a man can do, and that life without this sort of examination is not worth living, you will be even less inclined to believe me. Nevertheless, that is how it is, gentlemen, as I maintain; though it is not easy to convince you of it.””
About This Quote
Source Dialogue: Apology, Plato, 399 BC
Socrates argues that a life without philosophical inquiry is meaningless, insisting that constant examination of virtue is essential despite social pressure.
In simple terms: Living without questioning is not worth living.
Key Takeaway
Commit to regular self‑examination.
Themes
philosophy
ethics
self‑knowledge
civic duty
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- public discourse
- education
- leadership
Key Concepts
Socratic method
moral inquiry
intellectual humility
Questions to Reflect On
- What truths do you avoid questioning?
- How can you balance personal reflection with daily responsibilities?
A Different Perspective
Self‑examination can be uncomfortable and may conflict with societal expectations.
![“[W]e declare it is a grievous sin before God to adopt restrictive measures in disobedience to God's divine command from the beginning of time to 'multiply and replenish the earth.' Surely those who project such measures to prevent life or to destroy life before or after birth will reap the…” quote by Harold B. Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0e0/harold-b-lee-7452_birth_w-e-declare-it-is-a-grievous-sin-before_93464.jpg)
![“Since God, therefore, gave [to man] such mental power (magnanimitatem) man knew both the good of obedience and the evil of disobedience, that the eye of the mind, receiving experience of both, may with judgment make choice of the better things; and that he may never become indolent or neglectful…” quote by The Church Fathers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d84/the-church-fathers-1438_better-things_since-god-therefore-gave-to-man-such-men_1003632.jpg)
