“I decided that it was not wisdom that enabled poets to write their poetry, but a kind of instinct or inspiration, such as you find in seers and prophets who deliver all their sublime messages without knowing in the least what they mean.”
- 470 BC – 399 BC
- Born in Athens, ancient Greece
- Philosopher
- Teacher of Plato, who contributed to the development of ethics and dialectics
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Quote
“I decided that it was not wisdom that enabled poets to write their poetry, but a kind of instinct or inspiration, such as you find in seers and prophets who deliver all their sublime messages without knowing in the least what they mean.”
Explanation
In this quote, Socrates challenges the notion that wisdom or intellectual understanding is the source of poetic creativity. Instead, he argues that poets are driven by a kind of instinct or divine inspiration that allows them to produce poetry without fully understanding the meaning of what they create. Much like seers or prophets, who may deliver profound messages while being unaware of their deeper significance, poets are seen as vessels through which a higher force operates. Their works are not the result of rational thought or deliberate wisdom, but rather of an unconscious or mystical force that flows through them.
Historically, Socrates’ view on poetry was shaped by his skepticism about the nature of artistic creation. While many in ancient Greece revered poets for their ability to express profound truths about life, he saw poetry as something that might not necessarily reflect rational knowledge. In his philosophy, the act of creation was often viewed as being more mystical or inspired than a product of intellectual reasoning. Socrates believed that poets, like prophets, could speak truths without understanding them, suggesting that their work might reflect something deeper than mere human wisdom.
In the modern world, this quote invites us to reflect on the nature of artistic creation and inspiration. Today, while we often celebrate the intellectual achievements of artists and writers, Socrates’ perspective suggests that there are moments in creative work that transcend rational understanding. Poets, musicians, and other artists might tap into something beyond their conscious awareness—something that speaks to universal truths or emotions that cannot always be explained logically. This view challenges us to appreciate the role of instinct, intuition, and mystical inspiration in the creative process, reminding us that some forms of expression go beyond intellectual comprehension and are shaped by forces beyond our full understanding.
