5 Useful Things We Can Learn From Socrates

Many consider Skorates to be the father of philosophy. He was born in Athens in 469 BC. His father, Sophoniscus, was a sculptor. His mother, Phænarete, was a midwife. Despite his humble upbringing, there are plenty of things we can learn from Socrates and his life today.

Basically, this great philosopher lived like other Athenians. He followed in his father’s footsteps for a while and also had to do his military service as a soldier for the Greeks. In fact, people got to know him as a good worker and a very patient man.

When he became famous as a thinker and naturalist, he also started to get some enemies. He got them because he was an advocate for introducing a more flexible moral set. In this ethical system, there was no room for dishonesty, dishonor, or double standards. He was accused and ridiculed for these ideas.

In the end, he was even sentenced to commit suicide. This last episode of his life turned out to be a big event we can learn a lot from.

1. Humility: One of the most important things we can learn from Socrates

Socrates was not very gendered. He was small with a fairly large belly. Furthermore, he had rough features on his face and could be recognized by his protruding eyes and extremely snobbish nose. The other philosophers bullied him because of his appearance.

But none of this affected the “father of philosophy.” On the contrary, he hardly noticed this criticism. He actually wore the same robe and lived a spartan life. He rarely ate or drank. One philosopher said that no slave would want to be treated the way Socrates treated himself. Plato, on the other hand, would wash his feet and put on his sandals.

2. Respect for other people’s individuality

One of the most interesting aspects of this philosopher’s life is that he never wrote anything down. Despite the fact that everyone thought he had an incredibly sharp brain, he taught orally.

He believed that everyone should develop his own ideas. If he were to write down his ideas, it would condition and limit them to other people’s forms. Socrates had a more original teaching method. He wanted to have a conversation with people, where he demonstrated his sense of irony and his extraordinary ability to see things from other angles.

3. To listen

Socrates would narrate his teachings using subtleties and intelligence. Some people still use this method, even though it is not as often as we would like. The Socratic method inspired some of history’s greatest educators, such as Jean Piaget.

The philosopher would initiate a conversation with his partner by asking a lot of questions. He would ask them questions that would lead to the conclusion that what he said would be either coherent or inadequately substantiated. That is how everyone would arrive at the truth about themselves. Socrates was just the one who asked questions and listened.

To open oneself completely to the truth

Socrates said, “I know I know nothing.” It was not just a slogan or a smart way to bring oneself into focus. This philosopher really had an open mind in a very special way. He just stated that he knew nothing about the truth. He asked questions before seeking answers, and opened the world perspective before trying to shut in on anything.

Socrates also said, “Know thyself.” Thus, it was not an attempt to describe man. Instead, it was an invitation for all of us to explore ourselves – one of the most amazing journeys we can make.

5. The humorous sense we can learn from Socrates

Socrates also had a very special sense of humor. This is reflected in his anecdotes about Xanthippe, his wife. She was 30 years younger than him and famous for her difficult personality.

One once asked Socrates why he had married her, to which he replied, “I love learning from a person in such a bad mood. There is no better school for learning than to find out about people who are different. ”

Socrates and Xanthippe

When he was sentenced to death, his wife visited him and broke down in tears. Then Socrates said to her, “Do not weep – we are all doomed to death by nature.” His wife replied, “But you have been judged unjustly.” Socrates replied, “Would you think the situation would be less regrettable if they had judged me justly?”