Question

Explain in 1700 words for what Socrates makes life worth living and how the same could be applicable to you by following ideas, standards and ideas encountered so far.

Answer 1

Socrates has provided various ideas in the field oh philosophy and some of his significant ideas are as follows:

1) his exhortation to ‘care for your soul’, 2) his conviction that knowledge of virtue is necessary to become virtuous, and in turn that virtue is necessary to attain happiness, 3) his belief that all evil acts are committed out of ignorance and hence involuntarily, 4) and finally his presumption that committing an injustice is far worse than suffering an injustice.

Socrates believed that philosophy had a very important role to play in the lives of individuals. The fact that he gave individuals a foundation and purpose to life which very many people aren’t able to figure out while they spend their time of this plane, is noteworthy. Many people never consciously contemplate this question of how one ought to live. Instead the course of their lives is largely determined by the cultural values and norms which they unquestionably adhere to. But according to Socrates, the examination of this question is very important as it is through striving for answers to it that one can hope to improve their life. One of the reasons why most do not consciously contemplate this question is because it requires that one attain self knowledge, or in other words, turn their gaze inward and analyze both their true nature and the values which guide their life. And such knowledge is perhaps the most difficult knowledge to obtain. It is often said that the two most significant days of one’s lives are when one is born on this planet and the other is when one discovers why. Staying close to the purpose and asking these larger objective questions while striving to find their answers is the core he spoke of. This conviction is conveyed in perhaps Socrates’ most famous statement: “the unexamined life is not worth living”(Apology). Examining one’s self is the most important task one can undertake, for it alone will give us the knowledge necessary to answer the question ‘how should I live my life’. As Socrates explained: “…once we know ourselves, we may learn how to care for ourselves, but otherwise we never shall.” Therefore, to examine ourselves and keep questioning our existence is something that every individuals should engage in so as to make use of this time on the planet. When we turn our gaze inward in search of self knowledge, Socrates thought we would soon discover our true nature. And contrary to the opinion of the masses, one’s true self, according to Socrates, is not to be identified with what we own, with our social status, our reputation, or even with our body. Instead, Socrates famously maintained that our true self is our soul. And therefore, to attempt to understand the nature of this soul and the deepest aspect of one’s core is something that should be aimed by every individual who visits here. According to Socrates it is the state of our soul, or our inner being, which determines the quality of our life. Thus it is paramount that we devote considerable amounts of our attention, energy, and resources to making our soul as good and beautiful as possible.

To me, these ieas are noteable and heart-touching since these values are mostly given up by the time one grows up. Our true essence and nature is lost as we become engrossed in the worldly matters.