During his lifetime Socrates wrote nothing down. Yet his wisdom has
formed the bedrock of western philosophy. Socrates was viewed as a great
teacher. But he did not claim to be a teacher. In fact, he frequently
said ‘all I know is that I know nothing’. By all accounts Socrates was
both poor and ugly. Yet in a society that placed tremendous value on
beauty and wealth, people of all classes were magnetically drawn to his
teachings and enigmatic personality.As he wrote nothing down, there is
some dispute about what Socrates actually said. But, from the writings
of Plato and others, we can gain a few glimpses into the character and
ideals of this ancient sage and unique philosopher.
The Socratic Dialogue
Perhaps the most arresting feature of Socrates’ legacy is his unique
method of teaching and arriving at the truth. Socrates didn’t claim the
truth is this or the truth is that. He sought to question students in a
way that would lead them to arrive at the truth themselves. Socrates
frequently claimed to know nothing. Yet, if Socrates knew nothing, why
were people so eager to hear him talk? The reason was that Socrates was
able to make people reconsider their own ingrained ideas; Socrates had a
way of making people think for themselves and consider truth from
different angles.This method of conversation incurred the ire of some
people; they were not happy that Socrates was able to show the
limitations of their thinking. Yet, the genius of the Socratic method
was that he never had to directly tell people their inadequacies; they
came to realise it themselves.
Independence of Thought
One of Socrates most admired traits was that he did not follow
popular opinion. He questioned every orthodox belief and decided
independently if it was worth pursuing. Socrates looked at issues from
both perspectives; he did not allow himself to be tied down by
religious, political, or social conventions.This independence of thought
and mind was particularly powerful given the forces of conformity
predominant in Greek society. The importance he placed on independence
of thought can be seen by his response to his trial and death. Socrates
had numerous opportunities to flee; however, he didn’t wish to flee — he
felt that escape would weaken his philosophic independence.Socrates was
also non dogmatic; he had friends with both Oligarchs and Democrats. At
the same time, he had enemies in both parties; Socrates would never
moderate his words to curry favour with others.
Interest in the Welfare of Others
Socrates spent most of his time wandering the streets of Athens,
talking with people interested in discovering more about life. Socrates
was a great teacher, because ironically he didn’t have an agenda to
teach. He was not interested in imparting a certain dogma or attracting
followers. He wanted people to think for themselves and consider the
real nature of life and truth. As Socrates said to one student.”If you
take my advice, you will give but little thought to Socrates but much
more to the truth.” [1] Socrates
was not just a great talker, but also a great listener. It is this
balance which set him apart from ordinary teachers who want only to
lecture others.
Fear Not Death
“‘The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our ways I to die, and you to live. Which is better God only knows”- Socrates [2] The
authorities felt threatened by the popularity and independent nature of
Socrates and sought to have him silenced. The result was a travesty of
justice; however, Socrates was able to meet his death with an enviable
equanimity. Not only did Socrates maintain a philosophic calm, he also
bore little anger or ill feeling to his judges who had unjustly tried
him. He magnanimously said:”I am not angry with my accusers, or my
condemners; they have done me no harm, although neither of them meant to
do me any good; and for this I may gently blame them.” [3] It
is easy for a philosopher to talk about the unreality of death, but the
real test is how we respond when faced with it ourselves. The
equanimity of Socrates suggests he lived the ideals he spoke of.
Self Control
Socrates once visited a palm reader. The palm reader looked at his
hands and said to him: “so many undivine qualities you have: anger,
pride, lust…”. His followers were furious — how could she say this about
the great saint, Socrates?Socrates replied, “Wait, let us see whether
she has anything else to say.” The palm reader continued, “Yes, he has
these qualities, but, he also has them under his complete control.” Like
all people, Socrates had negative emotions and qualities but he was
able to prevent them from controlling him.
Tolerance of Others
Socrates married Xanthippe, who was renowned for her irritating
behaviour and quick temper. Socrates didn’t get upset about his wife’s
negative qualities. Instead he saw it as an opportunity to develop
tolerance, patience and humility. Socrates even made a joke of it
saying, “As I intended to associate with all kinds of people, I thought
nothing they could do would disturb me, once I had accustomed myself to
bear the disposition of Xanthippe.” [4]
Outer Appearances Do Not Matter
It is said even by his admirers that Socrates was ugly. Reports
suggest he was short, fat, and had a big nose. Yet, despite his
unflattering looks, many eagerly sought his company for his wisdom,
counsel and inspirational views on life. Despite an ugly outer
countenance people saw in Socrates an inner beauty. As the aristocratic
military genius Alcibiades said of Socrates “His nature is so beautiful,
golden, divine.”Socrates paid little attention to outer form. This
doesn’t mean he could not appreciate beauty; however, as a true
philosopher, it was his duty to see beyond the outer form.
Know Thyself
It is said that Socrates once visited the oracle of Delphi, where he
was told the most important task in his life was to know his real self.
To know the real self is perhaps the ultimate goal of philosophy. If we
don’t know who we are, how can we solve the mysteries of life and help
other people?For Socrates knowing thyself was more than a mere
intellectual quest. It was an idea that shaped his life and inner
attitude. He was never satisfied with accepting outer appearances and
conventional wisdom, but always strove for a deeper understanding of his
real Self.Above all, Socrates taught us not accept our existing
thoughts as true. Step back and reevaluate the truth and veracity of
your opinions and beliefs. Seek to know your real self and seek truth.
It is a lofty philosophy, but one that has retained an enduring appeal
and fascination through the ages.
Tejvan Pettinger is a member of the
Sri Chinmoy Meditation Centre. He lives in Oxford where he works as a
teacher. He also offers mediation classes as a community service and
updates a blog at Sri Chinmoy Inspiration a collection of articles on meditation and self improvement.
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