The word gadfly is defined as a person who persistently annoys or provokes others with criticism, schemes, ideas, demands, requests, etc and as a constantly irritating or harassing person. During the 400s B.C., Socrates was known being a gadfly or an annoyance. His innovative way of asking questions regularly times forced people to think outside of their comfort zone. He was often times a bother to those he questioned. It came to a point when Socrates was arrested and sentenced to death for his continual questioning of the ideals and views of the people in power. In my lifetime, I do not think that anyone can be classified as a gadfly, or modern day Socrates. To my knowledge, no one has been such a nuisance to society like Socrates. Not once have I ever turned on the news and heard about one person constantly hassling people in public places in the name of education or philosophy. Today, if someone wants to question the beliefs of position of power, like the government, they do so with a group of people, striking or petitioning is very common. Seldom have I heard of someone who went on strike against the US government alone, or someone who would give up his/her own life because they wanted to ask questions. Socrates is a one-of-a-kind man. His methods and ideals about life are ones that can not be duplicated. He is the original philosopher.
The Unexamined Life Is NOT Worth Living
I believe that Socrates was correct in thinking, and teaching, that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” In order to understand this philosophy, one has to know what Socrates meant by “unexamined.” This word is used to describe someone who has not asked themselves these questions: What is my purpose? What is the meaning of life? What do I want to accomplish during my lifetime? Living day-to-day with out thinking about tomorrow or yesterday or not setting goals makes one’s existence pointless-not worth living.
Self examination leads to self discovery which leads to determining strengths and weaknesses which leads to setting goals. With nothing to aspire to, no dreams, hopes, or ambitions, one just exists. This life is like a footprint on a beach shore; it is present for a short while, but eventually the tide comes and takes it away. And in four seconds, there is no trace of its existence. The footprint was immobile and was unable to avoid the tide. Stumbling through life with no true intent renders one immobile, in the sense that there is no progression, only a consistent empty space.
Because different aspects of people change with age and personal experiences, it is even important to self assess multiple times. One’s attitudes, mind-sets, and personal values are constantly changing; therefore, so is one’s out-look on life. That calls for a re-evaluation of one’s ideas of the meaning of life and one’s life goals.
Self examination leads to self discovery which leads to determining strengths and weaknesses which leads to setting goals. With nothing to aspire to, no dreams, hopes, or ambitions, one just exists. This life is like a footprint on a beach shore; it is present for a short while, but eventually the tide comes and takes it away. And in four seconds, there is no trace of its existence. The footprint was immobile and was unable to avoid the tide. Stumbling through life with no true intent renders one immobile, in the sense that there is no progression, only a consistent empty space.
Because different aspects of people change with age and personal experiences, it is even important to self assess multiple times. One’s attitudes, mind-sets, and personal values are constantly changing; therefore, so is one’s out-look on life. That calls for a re-evaluation of one’s ideas of the meaning of life and one’s life goals.
Eulogy
Chelsea was born in Chicago, Illinois’ Northwestern Memorial Hospital on September 25,1993. She was the second of two twin daughters, Candice and herself, born to David and Susan Dawkins. Chelsea and her family lived in Chicago’s “gold-coast” until she was five years old. They then moved to the south side’s Hyde Park neighborhood.
While growing up, Chelsea was always interested in sports and was involved in a local soccer league until she was 13 years old. When Chelsea entered junior high, she gave up soccer and began cheerleading, which she was involved throughout high school. She attended Whitney Young High School where she was an active member in the choral program and an honor student. Chelsea was expected to graduate high school in June of 2011 and planned to attend college after that.
Unfortunatly, death came early to Chelsea, but her memory will continue on in the people she met and in the lives she changed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)