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what does the unexamined life is not worth living mean

by Dr. Demetrius Haley II Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

Socrates was considered by many to be the wisest man in ancient Greece

Ancient Greece

Ancient Greece was a civilization belonging to a period of Greek history from the Greek Dark Ages of the 12th–9th centuries BC to the end of antiquity. Immediately following this period was the beginning of the Early Middle Ages and the Byzantine era. Roughly three centuries after the L…

, his spoken words are still listened to and followed today. Meaning of – An unexamined life is not worth living. Through this statement, Socrates means that an unexamined human life is deprived of the meaning and purpose of existence.

Full Answer

Who said an unexamined life?

The quote “An unexamined life is not worth living” was published in Plato’s “Apology.” Sometimes called “The Apology of Socrates,” this book contained Plato’s recollections of Socrates’ last speeches. Socrates was given two choices: leave Athens or live the rest of his life in silence.

Can you describe a life that is not worth living?

It would shelter total government control of society, the quelling of dissent and differing opinions. It would be perhaps a clean but terrifying world, a life not worth living. No doubt, climate change is upon us, and we have to deal with it.

What does it mean to live An Examined Life?

The examined life is using our ability to think and question to its fullest and to not live your life by the opinion of the many but by listen to people who have knowledge in that field of whatever you're doing. The unexamined life is basically conforming to society's beliefs and not questioning their beliefs .

Why is life worth not giving up?

Years ago, life ... is giving them the tools for handling all the stress, trauma and hopelessness. It means creating a tool belt designed for each individual and not one size fits all. This is why positive outreach like the movement of Speak Up ...

What does the phrase the unexamined life is not worth living mean?

Meaning of – An unexamined life is not worth living. Through this statement, Socrates means that an unexamined human life is deprived of the meaning and purpose of existence. To become fully human means to use our highly developed faculty of thought to raise our existence above that of mere beasts.

Do you agree in the saying that unexamined life is not worth living?

An unexamined life is still worth living as long as people can acquire simple happiness in their lives, which allows them to enjoy every moment. It is probably not necessary for them to follow Socrates.

Why is it important to live an examined life?

Ultimately, by living an examined life, we are giving ourselves an amazing gift. We receive a sense of freedom, clarity and thus, peace. Again Socrates reiterates: “We must examine and understand the universe that dwells within [our] own soul.”

Where does Socrates say the unexamined life is not worth living?

The dictum is recorded in Plato's Apology (38a5–6) as ho dè anexétastos bíos ou biōtòs anthrṓpōi (ὁ δὲ ἀνεξέταστος βίος οὐ βιωτὸς ἀνθρώπῳ).

What is the aim of Socrates' "The unexamined life is not worth living"?

The aim is for continuous progress, not perfection. In conclusion, the statement “The unexamined life is not worth living,” is Socrates’ way of reminding everyone to spare some time for self-reflection. But a mere analysis would not make any progress without action. A life worth living is being mindful that you are a work in progress ...

Who defined lifelike resistance from evil and misery?

Fyodor Dostoevsky defines examined lifelike human’s resistance from evil and misery. Whilst, Socrates see it as becoming wise and humble as human. Yet, is there a wrong or a right answer to what constitutes an unexamined life is? As the answer is all-encompassing, each philosopher raised valid points.

What is the ideal of our fullest potential?

And, seeking the fullest potential leads to look deeper into our spirituality, acknowledging the existence of a higher being or entity. That the existence of humankind is not merely to fulfill its earthly desires but in creating a “dent in the universe.”.

Why is there no point of reference?

Nothing, everything, it would just be. Simply because there is no point of reference to distinguish its existence. There is no opposite and there is nowhere to start. Unless we examine who we are, examine our lives, we lose our point of reference.

Why is knowledge so powerful?

Knowledge is a powerful thing in itself only because as conscious beings knowledge becomes part of who we are. It becomes ingrained in us on a level hard to comprehend. When I say the knowledge I mean true knowledge, not the fact that we read a book and believe some of what it says.

Is happiness fleeting or intangible?

As simple as it seems, many find this pursuit superficial. Happiness is fleeting and Earth bounded. Yet, a quest to find fulfillment or your purpose is more fitting towards the worthy life.

What does Socrates mean when he says the unexamined life is not worth living?

When he says that the unexamined life is not worth living, Socrates means that if you do not use your mind to ask questions and try to discover the truth about life, there is no point in having that mind, and you might as well be dead. Download PDF. Print. Page Citation. Share Link.

What is Socrates' point of being human?

For Socrates, the point of being human is to practice philosophy, to question everything. If one does not take advantage of the opportunities afforded by having a reasoning, questioning brain, then one might as well be an animal or even a vegetable. For that matter, one might as well be dead.

Is there a positive corollary to Socrates's statement?

There certainly seems to be a positive corollary which follows from Socrates 's statement. It is possible that no life is worth living, but if Socrates thought that, he would probably have said so. The corollary, therefore, is that the examined life is worth living, that Socrates's life, which was a complete failure in vulgar worldly terms, ...

What does "unexamined life is not worth living" mean?

What does the unexamined life is not worth living mean? Socrates believed that living a life where you live under the rules of others, in a continuous routine without examining what you actually want out of it is not worth living. The theory that all lives that are unexamined don't have a purpose and should not be lived is unreasonable ...

What is the difference between the unexamined life and the other?

The difference is that one group lives the "unexamined life" and the other is doing right by Socrates.

What is Socrates' claim that the unexamined life is not worth living?

The claim is that only in striving to come to know ourselves and to understand ourselves do our lives have any meaning or value.

What does it mean when you live an examined life?

When one is living an examined life they live a transparent life. One has opened oneself up to examination, or the scrutiny of others. You are letting others see you and you are allowing yourself to see your life without filters.

Is the theory that all lives that are unexamined don't have a purpose and should not be

The theory that all lives that are unexamined don't have a purpose and should not be lived is unreasonable and simply not true. Click to see full answer. Similarly, you may ask, why is the unexamined life not worth living? Socrates' claim that the unexamined life is not worth living makes a satisfying climax for the deeply principled arguments ...

Who said "the unexamined life is not worth living"?

Hence Socrates’ renowned statement “The unexamined life is not worth living”. Declaring that humans must scrutinize their lives in order to live a fulfilled one isn’t agreeable to any extent.

What does Socrates say about unexamined life?

Quote Analysis: The unexamined life is not worth living. Socrates believed that living a life where you live under the rules of others , in a continuous routine without examining what you actually want out of it is not worth living. This illustration of a lifestyle is what Socrates would describe an unexamined life.

What does Epicurus believe about life?

Epicurus believes that analysing your life is one third of what it takes to have a happy life whereas Socrates believes that if you are not constantly reviewing and examining every aspect of your life just so you can get the best out of it, it’s not worth living in general.

What did Socrates say about humanism?

Greek Philosophy and Humanism. But with this statement, Socrates promotes the idea that people who don’t examine their lives should not live. Socrates seemed to overlook other factors that account to our happiness and give worth to our lives. In disagreement with Socrates; We all must contemplate now and again but only to a certain extent, ...

What is Epicurus' philosophy?

Epicurus’ philosophy on happiness, is composed of three things; good companionship (friends), having freedom (being self-sufficient and free from everyday life and politics) and an analysed life (meaning to have time and space to think things through). Epicurus and Socrates have different approaches to the phrase “analysing life”.

Which philosophers have different approaches to the phrase "analysing life"?

Epicurus and Socrates have different approaches to the phrase “analysing life”. Epicurus would advise not to spend money as temporary relief for a bad day but rather take time out and reflect and contemplate. Socrates on the other hand has a different stance.

Who said that having a mechanical life with an unthinking routine, under the rules of others without ever examining

Socrates said that having a mechanical life with an unthinking routine, under the rules of others without ever examining whether or not they truly want to live with those routines or rules is basically not worth living anymore.

Why is it important to examine life?

Importance of examined life. Just like a seed needs soil, sunlight, and water for its germination, human life needs introspection and examination for its growth. An understanding of the experiences gained in life at any particular time enriches one’s engagement with the self and the universe.

What is Arjun's ability to reflect on life?

This very ability to reflect on life adds more depth to the character of ‘Arjun’ in Mahabharat than most of the other characters like Bheeshm, Yudhishthir or the Kauravs. Instead of following the norms and fighting with his clan, Arjun questions the meaninglessness of the war and the purpose of his life.

What does Socrates mean by "to become fully human"?

To become fully human means to use our highly developed faculty of thought to raise our existence above that of mere beasts. For if we don’t think, we are no more than animals, simply eating, sleeping, working and procreating.

What is the relevance of the quote "The Last Jedi"?

The quotation has strong relevance in the present times where human beings are burdened with the histories of war, colonization, nationalization, erosion of morality in the scientific and technological advancements and the sense of spiritual uprootedness.

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