In the Apology, Socrates claims that the unexamined life is not worth living (38a) - Essay Example

Hence there is the dire need for an individual to work for the goal of self-realization. The claim of Socrates that “the unexamined life is not worth living” refers to the spiritual life of an individual. The real achievement and advancement towards the goal of life is possible only through self-realization. Instead of chasing the external world for aggrandizement of material possessions, an individual has to commence the journey of the inner world to understand and experience of the true meaning of life.

Socrates argues that goodness is associated with wisdom and in the pursuit of that supreme wisdom an individual can enjoy life and be happy in the real sense of the term. If an individual ceases to question himself, he will act unreasonably, without applying the power of discrimination, he will not be able to distinguish between good and bad actions. Without the spiritual values, the life of humankind is no better than animals. A good life is twice-blessed. The one who is experiencing happiness in life and those around him, both become happy.

The final option for an individual is to pursue knowledge of the self by application of principles of wisdom. Socrates articulates if he were to abandon the examined life, without wisdom and self-knowledge, he would be accepting the option of death. So, the battle royal has been going on for Ages, and it has not been possible for the humankind to find a permanent solution for problems related to one’s external world and the inner world. Socrates is not a conservative philosopher, or a philosopher with reservations.

He attaches importance to life only if it is applied for the purpose of self-realization. All other applications to life are transient in nature and as such they are without real substance. If an individual attaches more importance to secular life in preference to spiritual pursuits, he