Has a philosopher like you failed to discover that our country is more to be valued and higher and holier far than mother or father or any ancestor, and more to be regarded in the eyes of the gods and of men of understanding?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author questions the listener for undervaluing the state compared to family. He claims the country is more holy and valuable.
- In plain terms
- He challenges the listener to value the state more than their parents.
- What can you take from it?
- Prioritize civic duty over personal ties when necessary.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What do you owe your country?
- How do you value authority?
Another view
Personal moral duties may sometimes exceed civic ones.
More from Socrates
Oh dear Pan and all the other Gods of this place, grant that I may be beautiful inside. Let all my external possessions be in friendly harmony with what is wit…
Permalink to quote #4 When I left him, I reasoned thus with myself: I am wiser than this man, for neither of us appears to know anything great and good; but he fancies he knows some…
Permalink to quote #6 In every one of us there are two ruling and directing principles, whose guidance we follow wherever they may lead; the one being an innate desire of pleasure; …
Permalink to quote #3
Related quotes
The individual who refuses to defend his rights when called by his Government, deserves to be a slave, and must be punished as an enemy of his country and frie…
Andrew JacksonAndrew Jackson quote #1 Companeros, this old man is my father. He has come to offer me rewards in the name of the Spaniards. I have always respected my father but my country comes fir…
Vincente GuerreroVincente Guerrero quote #1 'The princesses could not possibly leave without me; I wouldn't leave the King, and the King will never leave under any circumstances.'
the Queen Mother Elizabeththe Queen Mother Elizabeth quote #17