An Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living

Socrates is considered by far the wisest man in ancient Greece. Socrates says, “An unexamined life is not worth living.”  One must examine their own life by questioning the ideas and thoughts that form it. To not question life, to not examine our thoughts and beliefs is pointless. For a meaningful and well lived life, we need to account for what we know and do not know. We also need to reflect upon what we believe. Some scholars argue that our nature as human beings leads us to live examined lives. “Socrates’ call to live examined lives is not necessarily and instance to reject all such motivations and inclinations but rather an injunction to appraise their truth worth for the human soul.” (Ambury 2.b.iii).

As humans, we need introspection and self-examination for our growth. Just like Seeds need sunlight and water for its growth. The unexamined life is deprived of the purpose and meaning of existence. Humans are more than animals. We are more than sleeping, eating and procreating. We have a highly developed faculty of thought. Without our use of this faculty of thought, we do not grow intellectually, civilly or culturally.

Socrates was put on trial for being accused of not recognizing the gods, and for corrupting the youth. He was condemned by a close vote of 280 to 220. His accusers wanted and argued for the death penalty. He was even given the opportunity to suggest his own punishment. He eventually suggested that he pay a fine as his punishment. The jury selected death by poison.  Socrates would rather die than to be exiled or ordered to be not capable of daily discourse. After all, to Socrates examinations of himself and others is the greatest good of man. In conclusion, a life worth living is mindful that we as humans are a work in progress and fulfilling our purpose in life.

Works Cited

Ambury, James M. “Socrates | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.” Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy | An encyclopedia of philosophy articles written by professional philosophers. 1995. Web. 28 Aug 2020. <http://iep.utm.edu/socrates/&gt;.

Bibliography

Plato. Apology. Project Gutenberg, 2008. Ebook. <https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/1656&gt;.

Verma, Parth. ““An unexamined life is not worth living.” – Socrates. What does this quotation mean to you?” Civilsdaily. 2020. Web. 28 Aug 2020. <http://• http://www.civilsdaily.com/mains/an-unexamined-life-is-not-worth-living-socrates-what-does-this-quotation-mean-to-you-10-marks/>.

“The Suicide of Socrates, 399 BC.” EyeWitness to History – history through the eyes of those      who lived it. 2003. Web. 28 Aug 2020. <http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/socrates.htm&gt;.