Perhaps we read this too literally. I take it as an admonishment---a sort of shaking and rattling of people in the hopes of waking them from their zombie-like plodding.
Yes, according to Socrates, most people's lives aren't worth living - to answer the question.
But his phrase begs an addendum: the overexamined life is not worth living either. - and it might be fair to point out that that is exactly what philosophy is (overexamination).
I suggest Socrates meant it would not be worth living for him. Most people don't share his view (obviously, and perhaps unfortunately).
ReplyDeletePerhaps we read this too literally. I take it as an admonishment---a sort of shaking and rattling of people in the hopes of waking them from their zombie-like plodding.
ReplyDeleteElitist snobbery from Platrates.
ReplyDeleteMost philosophers would rather die than perform manual labor; in fact, they do so.
Hah, hah! Thank you, BDK. Funny and true.
ReplyDeleteYes, according to Socrates, most people's lives aren't worth living - to answer the question.
ReplyDeleteBut his phrase begs an addendum: the overexamined life is not worth living either.
- and it might be fair to point out that that is exactly what philosophy is (overexamination).