An unexamined life is not worth living?
2007-01-09 13:25:26 · 20 answers · asked by James E D 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Question things and observe your environment or you are wasting your time (and it's not a long trip)
2007-01-09 13:30:50 · answer #1 · answered by Bullwinkle Moose 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been living an 'examined' life for almost 30 years. This brings awareness, the ability to critically assess what has happened and what is happening. It allows me to identify errors, character defects, failings, as well as to acknowledge and even celebrate positives and abilities. It gives me the tools to deal head on with all aspects of life, physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual. It comforts me and challenges me - always stimulating and encouraging.
None of the above would be possible in an unexamined life. However I do not agree that an unexamined life is not worth living. Because by just 'going along' we are still here when and if we come to the point of being forced to examine our lives or suffer the consequences.
2007-01-09 15:04:15 · answer #2 · answered by concernedjean 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Socrates was known for going up to people and questioning why they do what they do, questioning people about things that would be considered 'common sense'
For instance, The Athenian General Laches, whom told socrates that courage is not running from your enemies. Socrates quickly pointed out that thats not *all* courage is, there are cases in which one can be couragous and run from their enemies.
Socrates whole outlook on life was to question the norm. Always question what is common. So, " an unexamined life is not worth living" sounds like something he said to Plato about someone.
2007-01-09 14:26:23 · answer #3 · answered by C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've always been fascinated by Socrates' bold statement that "The unexamined life is not worth living."He doesn't mince words. He doesn't say that the unexamined life is "less meaningful than it could be" or "one of many possible responses to human existence." He simply and clearly says it's not even worth living.Socrates believed that the purpose of human life was personal and spiritual growth. We are unable to grow toward greater understanding of our true nature unless we take time to examine and reflect upon our life.He who does not remember the past is condemned to repeat it."
2007-01-09 13:36:04 · answer #4 · answered by meka g 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A person who goes though life merely "going through the motions" is not living.
Socrates died to prove that what he was saying and doing was right and that it was what he believed in. We must be willing to die for the things that we live for. In order to do that, we have to examine our lives and assure that what we are doing is what we value most, something that we believe to be right. If we are living a life that we are ashamed of or unhappy with, then what is the point of living it. We have one life on earth and one chance to make the most of it, so why do anything else?
Live so that you can honestly say, what I live for I'd die for*. That is what Socrates means.
2007-01-09 16:48:03 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't mean too be a downer but I have also learned examine life and to find a greater meanings..It has become painful for me to persue my hearts desires. Sometimes I feel that I should have just stayed in the dark. I think I am in the "Dark Night of the Soul" space now.
2007-01-10 04:34:03 · answer #6 · answered by Soulfulgrl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without philosophy, without being alowed to pursue truth, one might as well be dead.
Socrates was sentenced to death because he liked exposing people's ignorance. He liked to make people think. He said he would rather die than to stop philosophy.
Personally, I think our freedom comes from our ability to think and reflect. If we just reacted based on our base emotions, then what separates us from driftwood which would go just where the current takes it. Freedom comes only from our ability to go against the current by the strength of our will.
Nitpick: BTW, Socrates never wrote anything. Plato wrote it. Everything that we know about what Socrates said comes from Plato.
2007-01-09 13:35:51 · answer #7 · answered by ragdefender 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you spend all your time here on earth doing nothing, or near nothing or not trying anything out, why are you here, because you have no purpose or enjoyment, which means there was no purpose for you to even be born. Socrates means, try stuff out, explore and attempt, go out on a limb, otherwise you're a waste of space.
2007-01-09 13:34:47 · answer #8 · answered by famandertiff 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He means that introspection and self-examination is an imperative for living what could be called a 'good life.' He is dismissing those who merely go about their daily tasks without considering the How and Why of their existence.
2007-01-09 13:33:41 · answer #9 · answered by infintysquared 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
To not examine ones self and their direction would be to not understand their self. The more you are capable of accepting and knowing yourself the more you are receptive to the needs of others and grow beyond the it's all about me. To aimlessly go forward and never accomplish anything or ever know would be a waste. And what use is waste?
2007-01-09 13:58:04 · answer #10 · answered by Sage 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means to live life without question means you're not truly living. You need to ask why and how about yourself and the world around you. If you don't you interact and question your existence, you are missing out on a vital part of being alive.
2007-01-09 13:33:50 · answer #11 · answered by Scotto 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋