Essay Sample on Living a Life of Examined Meaning: Socrates' Wisdom

Introduction

The idea that an unexamined life is not worth living was developed by a person by the name Socrates; a philosopher who was once considered as the wisest individual in ancient Greece. For many people, Socrates's idea did not and still does not make any sense as life comes above all other aspects; thus giving up on life is out of the question. However, to Socrates, an unexamined life refers to a scenario whereby an individual is unable to examine their life as well as the world they live in through asking questions or even wondering (Brickhouse & Smith, 1994). According to Socrates, the whole point of living was so that an individual could examine different aspects and factors in life. Hence, as a result of such a perspective, Socrates felt obliged to live a lifestyle whereby he had to question things going in his life as well as make inquiries concerning right or wrong things which had occurred previously (Brickhouse & Smith, 1994).

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However, without the ability to ask a question or even wonder, Socrates believed that life no longer had any meaning. According to him, a life which is not examined would consequently result in a lifestyle in which the aspects of curiosity and inquiry are non-existent (Brickhouse & Smith, 1994). As a consequence of being a philosopher, Socrates thus believed that the absence of interest and inquiry would inhibit philosophical thinking which over the years has made human life exciting as well as worth living (Brickhouse & Smith, 1994). Therefore, Socrates developed the idea that the unexamined life is not worth living as he believed it was better for one to die rather than live a life without the ability to ask questions or make inquiries regarding what is happening or already happened.

In addition to evaluating the idea that an unexamined life is not worth living, this paper will further discuss different opinions as to why life is meaningful or worth living. This particular section of the write-up is essential as people in society have been brought up accustomed to defining themselves based on what they own or what differentiates them from others. For instance, one thing which makes life worth living is connecting and relating with other people. Connecting as well as associating with others helps build different types of relationships which consequently create memorable and inspiring moments as different people tend to add value to life in diverse ways, which make life meaningful (Heintzelman & King, 2014).

Another thing which makes life worthwhile is the aspect of creating as well as fulfilling yourself. Creating and fulfilling yourself refers to an individual's ability to dream and consequently strive to reciprocate dreams into reality by pushing the limits. Pushing the boundaries makes it possible to discover the depth of an individual's unlimited potential to attain desirable or admirable achievements, which, as a result, make life meaningful (Heintzelman & King, 2014). Thirdly, life is worth living due to the aspects of travel and discovery. Traveling to different destinations across the globe provides an individual the opportunity to learn new things which they had no idea about in addition to serving as a form of entertainment for relaxation purposes (Heintzelman & King, 2014). Moreover, discovering new things makes it possible for people to hope for a better future as well as become wiser and mentally strong; hence why the factors of travel and discovery make life meaningful and worth living.

References

Brickhouse, T. C., & Smith, N. D. (1994). Plato's Socrates. Oxford University Press, USA.

Heintzelman, S. J., & King, L. A. (2014). Life is pretty meaningful. American Psychologist, 69(6), 561. Retrieved from https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-03265-001