Life is the most precious, unique, and complex defining feature of individuals. Its vitality is displayed in our fierce protection of it. Its uniqueness defines who we are as individuals. Finally, its complexity forces us to understand that we are helpless in controlling many aspects that define it. A quest to understand life reduces our existence on earth to a meaningless journey, filled with self-glorification and uneventful occurrences. It is when an individual claiming to have such a profound understanding of life brings this realization to the forefront that knowledge loses its power and becomes dangerous. An individual defining the only meaningful existence motivates the masses into either a frantic pursuit to fulfill the stipulations or to quickly silence the originator of their fear. The ultimate fear is that the time we spend on earth is meaningless without achieving the difficult task of understanding it, and the source of this idea, Socrates.
"The unexamined life is not worth living." -Socrates.
This is the quote that affirms my belief in questioning every aspect of life from authoritative figures to the origin of my own opinions. It also strikes fear deep within the hearts of those who conform to another's definition of life; we should choose our path wisely, for we only get one. From the second we are born until our last breath, human nature drives us to explore and grasp the world around us. The exploration is a difficult undertaking. It is easy to accept society's pre-conceived definitions. It takes a truly enlightened and courageous person to explore the intangible thoughts. In 5th Century B.C., one man did such a thing and went against common beliefs. He accepted the fate of execution rather than acquiesces and accept life as it was. Socrates preferred succumbing to the Athenian judgment of death, because discontinuing his search for purpose would have been death in itself.
Throughout his endeavors Socrates found his virtue. ... "But Socrates, what is your occupation? ... Yet Socrates says he is not. ... In this respect, Socrates was wiser than any man. ... This is why Socrates did not cease his philosophy. ...
I will demonstrate this first through Meletus' charge that Socrates does not believe in the gods (Apol. 26c9-10). ... In regards to the charge that Socrates corrupts the youth (Apol. 24b8-9), Socrates gave a seemingly strong defense, but, under further inspection, his main counterargument lacks some crucial logic. ... This logic is faulty, because when Socrates teaches his ideas, one either can choose to ignore what he says, and not become corrupted, or agree with Socrates' teachings. In the case that someone does believe his ideas, Socrates suggested that we wait for someone to...
In terms of political wisdom as an ideology Socrates easily explains it with the roles of the guardians in his city. ... Moderation, Socrates thought had to do with everyone having only what they needed to survive. ... This was an ideology that Socrates really believed in, moderation and the collective sharing of goods and services. In Book IV we see Socrates talking about justice and the just individual. ... Bing a just individual according to Socrates is finding a balance on these three things....
Socrates is never trying to win at the trial. ... However, we can feel the humbleness of Socrates. ... However, Socrates finds this is not the truth. ... What Socrates means is he believes Meletus doesn't really care about if Socrates corrupts youth or is impious. ... Socrates insults Meletus and the powerful people like him, so they wish to get ride of Socrates through this trial so that Socrates won't damage their benefit. ...
Socrates asked Meletos if he thinks it is important for the younger generation to be good as possible. ... (25B)" which means that of all the Athenians, Socrates is the only person guilty of corrupting the youth. ... Secondly, Socrates was accused by Meletos for not believing in the gods. Meletos said to Socrates and the gentle of the jury that he believes in no gods at all. ... But Meletos came to Socrates and claimed that Socrates believes in the spirituality and teaches others to believe in this spiritual matter. ...
Socrates is known to be one of the greatest philosophers of all time. ... Socrates was born in 469 BC in Athens. ... Socrates lost the case and was convicted him by a vote of 280 to 221. ... I believe that Socrates is one of the greatest philosophers I have read about. ... To me Socrates emphasized on true knowledge and wisdom. ...
Socrates clearly didn't wish to die. ... Socrates predicted that he would be sentenced to death, and he accepted it, rather than sacrifice his integrity. ... From the outset, Socrates defended himself against his prosecutors. ... Socrates' acceptance of death is not the same as a desire for death. ... It's clear in "The Apology" that Socrates does not wish to die. ...
Socrates in his defence explains to the people of Athens his views and their origins. ... It is a fact that Socrates wanted nothing but to speak the truth and be judged justly. ... This is perfectly highlighted by Socrates follow up statement after Meletus points out Socrates worships demigods. ... Socrates lived his life primarily to attain truth and good moral judgement. ... Socrates was also a poor man as he never charged anyone for his teachings. ...
From Socrates's point of view, he believes that death is like sleep. ... Ironically, Socrates makes a conflict point when he compares dreamless sleep to death. ... Socrates's idea of unrighteousness is clear and sound. ... What makes Socrates so brave is his belief in being a good person. ... Realistically, not everyone has the strong belief like Socrates does. ...
