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.
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