THE APOLOGY

Socrates is a revered philosopher because of his strong, unwavering values and

his articulateness that is unmatched. Although brilliant, he may have lacked in

personable skills. Whatever ones opinion is of Socrates, positive or negative, we can
learn a lot from him through his loss of ego, his identifying of the communities social
conditioning and his questionable communication methods.

A fair number of individuals in modern day culture identify with their ego,

especially by acquiring materialistic things or status to feed their self esteem or self
importance. Socrates is a perfect example of a man who has dropped his ego. Pg61-c
I did not care for the things that most people care about: making money, having a
comfortable home, high military or civil rank, and all other activities His choice of
lifestyle proves he is comfortable living a meager lifestyle. He lived in this manner by
choice. He had ample opportunity to get into politics or to teach and be compensated
handsomely. Socrates didnt need others approval to validate his sense of self. Pg44-b
The wisest of you men is he who has realized, like Socrates, that in respect of wisdom,
he is really worthless. Along with dropping his ego in a materialistic sense, this quote
reveals his character in admitting what he doesnt know. His lifes journey is seeking
truth and wisdom while shying away from fame and recognition. Socrates way of life is
profound and dropping his ego is admirable and a satisfying life choice. We can all learn
to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives through Socrates example.

With Socrates wisdom, he was able to see the big picture. He saw what others

missed, although clearly visible; the communitys social conditioning. He found that
individuals were taught or programmed to respond in a manner generally approved of
by the masses. Pg38-c they approached you at the most impressionable age, when
some of you were children Socrates knew that most people had formulated negative
opinions of him. This based solely on impressions they were given from their elders or
friends, without knowing Socrates. This gave him a huge disadvantage in the courts.
Socrates pointed out this social reality, proved that he didnt have much of a defence.
This speaks volumes about this society. Socrates also challenged the notion that those
with a superior title must be more intelligent. Pg43-a People with the greatest
reputations were almost entirely deficient while others who were supposed to be their
inferiors were much more noteworthy. His findings interestingly revealed that those
individuals with superior social standing were only better at masking what they didnt
know. At the present day, we must learn from Socrates to examine points from all
perspectives, not just the narrow view that may be presented to us by someone in a
higher hierarchal position.

Our communication styles reflect our character. Socrates way of communicating

left a lot to be desired and ultimately led to his downfall and death. Pg43c It is hardly
an exaggeration to say that any of the bystanders could have explained those poems
better than their actual authors. Socrates would publicly humiliate those he was
conversing with, making many enemies. Attacking their livelihoods and lack of
knowledge and character. Even in his last statement to the jury Pg64-c I tell you, my

executioners, that as soon as I am dead, vengeance shall fall upon you it was his
questionable communication methods, upheld to the bitter end, that ultimately affected
his trial. We can learn that even the most brilliant minds will not be tolerated in a society
where that mind slanders the masses and attacks their livelihoods or characters. We
are far better off being sensitive to each other through communication.

These are only a few points we can learn through the actions and philosophy of

Socrates. Its fascinating how in this modern day, we can still grow profoundly in the
way we live through our ego and being able to understand our social conditioning.
Learning how to communicate and be sensitive is vital and we still need to make strides.
Looking back at this ancient philosopher in his brilliance and shortcomings and using his
lessons to better ourselves, is something we should consider ourselves lucky to be able
to do. Although Socrates is long past, he is still teaching us, the way he taught so many
before us and will continue to do.

Victor Nikolaou