(Philosophy) Thinking Like Socrates: Journey into Ancient Wisdom
Hey there, young philosophers! Let’s talk about one of history’s most fascinating thinkers - but not in the way you might expect.
As someone who discovered philosophy during my own journey through school, I remember how these ancient thinkers seemed so distant and boring at first. But trust me, Socrates isn’t just some dusty old name in a textbook - he’s like that curious friend who’s always asking “but why?” about everything.
My Personal Journey with Socrates
When I was around your age, I thought philosophy was just for grown-ups with serious faces and complicated books. But then I discovered Socrates, and realized that philosophy actually starts with curiosity - something you all have tons of!
Let me share something real with you: Socrates has been my companion through college classes, late-night questions about life, and those moments when I’m trying to figure out what’s true in a world full of different opinions. His approach to questioning everything has shaped how I see the world.
Who Was This Curious Character?
Socrates was born in Athens, Greece around 470 BCE - that’s about 2,500 years ago! Unlike many teachers today, Socrates didn’t write books or have a classroom. Instead, he walked around Athens talking to people and asking lots of questions.
Picture this: a man with a beard, simple clothes (definitely not worried about fashion!), and bare feet wandering through marketplaces and gymnasiums, striking up conversations with anyone willing to chat. That was Socrates!
He wasn’t rich or particularly handsome - ancient sources actually describe him as rather short and not very good-looking, with a snub nose and bulging eyes. But his mind? Absolutely brilliant.
The Gadfly of Athens
Socrates called himself a “gadfly” - which is a kind of fly that bothers horses and makes them wake up. He thought his job was to “sting” the people of Athens into thinking more deeply about their lives.
Let’s be real - most people don’t like being questioned about things they believe. The leaders of Athens certainly didn’t! Socrates had this amazing ability to show people that they didn’t know as much as they thought they did. Through his questions, he helped reveal that many “experts” couldn’t actually explain their own ideas.
The Socratic Method: Questions as Pathways to Truth
Socrates believed that wisdom begins when we realize how much we don’t know. This might sound strange - shouldn’t wise people know a lot? But Socrates thought true wisdom was understanding the limits of your knowledge.
His special way of teaching, which we now call the “Socratic method,” works like this:
Ask a question about something that seems obvious
Listen carefully to the answer
Ask more questions that help reveal problems in that answer
Keep going until you reach either a better answer or the realization that the question is more complicated than it seemed
This method isn’t about embarrassing people or showing off how smart you are. It’s about searching for truth together through conversation.
“Know Thyself” - Socrates’ Greatest Wisdom
One of Socrates’ most famous sayings was “Know thyself.” He believed that examining our own thoughts, beliefs, and actions was the most important journey we could take.
Those moments when you stop to think about why you believe something or why you acted a certain way? That’s you practicing Socratic wisdom! Self-reflection isn’t just for adults - it’s something everyone can practice, no matter how young.
The Trial That Changed History
Sadly, not everyone appreciated Socrates’ constant questioning. When he was about 70 years old, the leaders of Athens put him on trial. They charged him with “corrupting the youth” and “not believing in the city’s gods.”
What they really meant was: “Stop making us question everything! Stop encouraging young people to think for themselves!”
Socrates had a choice - he could apologize and promise to stop philosophizing, or he could face punishment. In one of history’s most courageous moments, he chose to stand by his beliefs. He told the jury that “the unexamined life is not worth living” and that he couldn’t stop encouraging people to question and think.
The jury found him guilty and sentenced him to death by drinking poison hemlock. Even when facing death, Socrates remained calm and continued philosophical discussions with his friends until his final moments.
Why Socrates Still Matters Today
You might wonder why we’re still talking about this man who lived 2,500 years ago. Great question! (Socrates would be proud of you for asking it.)
Socrates matters because he reminds us that:
It’s okay to say “I don’t know” - that’s where learning begins
Asking good questions is often more important than having all the answers
We should examine our beliefs rather than just accepting what we’re told
Courage sometimes means standing up for what you believe, even when it’s difficult
True wisdom isn’t about memorizing facts or sounding smart. It’s about approaching life with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to question both others and yourself.
Bringing Socrates to Your Life
Let’s be real - you’re already more like Socrates than you might think. Remember that time you kept asking “why” until your parents or teachers weren’t sure how to answer anymore? Pure Socratic method!
The next time someone tells you “that’s just how it is” or “because I said so,” remember Socrates. There might be good reasons behind rules and traditions, but understanding those reasons helps us make better choices and build a more thoughtful world.
As you navigate through school, friendships, and all the big and small questions of growing up, try channeling your inner Socrates. Not to annoy people (though that might happen sometimes!), but to dig deeper into what matters and why.
Stay curious. Stay questioning. Stay thoughtful.
Essay Questions
Socrates never wrote down his ideas, yet we still know about him today. How do you think his teachings survived, and why do you think they’ve remained important for over 2,000 years?
Socrates said that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” In your own words, what do you think this means? Do you agree or disagree? Explain your reasoning.
Think about a time when you questioned something that everyone else seemed to accept. How did it feel? What did you learn from this experience?
If Socrates visited your school today, what questions do you think he would ask? What parts of school life might he want students and teachers to examine more carefully?
Socrates was willing to die rather than stop philosophizing. Write about something you believe in strongly. How far would you go to stand up for this belief?
The “Socratic method” involves asking questions to find truth together. How is this different from how you usually learn things in school? Which way of learning do you prefer, and why?
Socrates said that wisdom begins with understanding how much you don’t know. Think about something you used to think you understood completely, but later realized was more complicated. How did this experience change you?
Imagine you could use the Socratic method to explore one important question with your friends or family. What question would you choose, and what might you discover together?
Socrates was known for being a “gadfly” who bothered people with uncomfortable questions. When might it be important to ask difficult questions, even if they make people uncomfortable? When might it be better to stay quiet?
Socrates lived a simple life without much money or possessions, focusing instead on questions about truth, goodness, and wisdom. In today’s world, where we often focus on having nice things, what can we learn from Socrates’ example?