Socrates’ quote, “It seems that God took away the minds of poets that they might better express His,” suggests that the divine inspiration that poets receive is so profound that it appears to supersede their own personal thoughts and ideas. This can be interpreted as the poets acting as conduits or vessels through which divine wisdom and beauty are communicated. They, in a sense, lose their minds to the divine inspiration, allowing them to express ideas and concepts far beyond their individual consciousness.

This idea can be seen as a commentary on the concept of inspiration itself. It suggests that true inspiration, particularly in creative endeavors, is something that transcends the individual. It’s not something that is consciously thought out or planned, but rather something that simply flows through the individual, almost as if they are channeling it from a higher power.

Applying this to today’s world, one could argue that any form of creative expression, not just poetry, can be seen as a form of divine inspiration. Musicians, artists, writers, and even scientists and inventors could be seen as having their minds “taken away” when they are in the throes of inspiration, allowing them to tap into ideas and insights that are beyond their normal cognitive abilities.

In terms of personal development, this quote can be seen as a call to surrender to the process of inspiration and creativity. It suggests that we should not try to control or force our creative impulses, but rather allow them to flow through us naturally. This can be a powerful approach to any form of personal expression, whether it be writing, painting, composing music, or even problem-solving and innovation. It encourages us to trust in the process and let go of our need to control, which can often lead to more authentic and powerful results.