"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"
- Socrates
About this Quote
Socrates is recommending that poets are not always smart, however rather are influenced by a greater power. He compares poets to seers and prophets, who have the ability to provide their messages without understanding the significance behind them. This suggests that poets are able to access a greater level of knowledge, which is beyond their mindful understanding. Socrates is recommending that poets have the ability to tap into a source of knowledge that is not offered to the typical individual. This source of understanding is what allows them to write their poetry. He is suggesting that poets have the ability to access a higher level of understanding, which is beyond the mindful understanding of the typical individual. This is why poets have the ability to compose their poetry without understanding the meaning behind it.
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