I remember being content with my life that was absoulutely devoid of any critical self-examination. After many hours of philosophy classes I have decided that Socrates is by far my favorite philosopher. While many considered him a nuisance, a know-it all, I firmly believe that Socrates was a necessary component in Athens. Why? Besides embarassing people who thought they knew it all, Socrates challenged every day citizens on issues such as virtue, the good life, etc... My favorite quotation by Socrates is, "the unexamined life is not worth living." Wow. How powerful and truthful.
Many of us (human-beings) live our lives without ever examining the values and questions at the center of our lives. Many of us, are quick to accept anything people tell us and to you, I say shame. I must admit, that I too was one of those people who believed whatever teachers told me as if it were the Gospel, but those days, ladies and gentlemen are long behind me. We need more Socrates's of the world. A gadfly that constantly irritates and force one to evaluate long held opinions and prejudices. I believe that we tend to avoid true self-reflection because if we truly took that crucial backwards step, we would realize what a funky life we lead. People no longer value the truth because the truth will often force one to change.
After a critical self-examination of my life, I realized the other day, that i am not happy. I am not happy with the life that i have lead in the quiet of my apartment or in the public eye. I often thought that happiness lied in drinking, drugs, and material wealth but none of these things made me truly happy. It was all permanent and fleeting. My resolve now is to live the good life and pursue it as fast as I can.
