Socrates

Socrates

(Killing Socrates, Greece committed suicide.

And it can be seen easily. If they had listened to Socrates rather than poisoning him, and dropped their conditionings, which he was asking them to do, Greece would have been at the very top of the world today in intelligence, in consciousness, in the search for truth.- OSHO)

SOCRATES, the celebrated Greek philosopher and moralist, was born at Athens in the year 469 B.C. His father, was a sculptor and he followed the same profession in the early part of his life. His family was respectable in descent, but humble in point of means. He had the usual education of the Athenian citizen, which included not only a knowledge of the mother tongue, and readings in the Greek poets, but also the elements of arithmetic, geometry and astronomy as then known. Excepting in connection with his philosophical career, few circumstances of his life are known. He served as a hoplite, or heavy-armed foot-soldier, and his bravery and endurance were greatly extolled by his friends.

Somewhere about the middle period of his life, he relinquished his profession as statuary, and gave himself up to the career that made him famous. Deservedly styled a philosopher, he neither secluded himself for study, nor opened a school for the regular instruction of pupils. He disclaimed the appellation of teacher; his practice was to talk or converse, "to prattle without end," as his enemies said. Early in the morning he frequented the public walks, the gymnasia for bodily training, and the school where youths were receiving instruction; he was to be seen at the market-place at the hour when it was most crowded, among the booths and tables where goods were exposed for sale. His whole day was usually spent in this public manner. He talked with any one, young or old, rich or poor, who sought to address him, and in the hearing of all who stood by. As it was engaging, curious, and instructive to hear, certain persons made it their habit to attend him in public as companions and listeners.

Another peculiarity of was his persuasion of a special religious mission, of which he believed that he had received oracular intimation. About the time when he began to have repute as a wise man, an admirer and friend, Chaerephon, consulted the oracle at Delphi, as to whether any man was wiser than Socrates. The priestess replied "none." The answer, he said, perplexed him very much; for he was conscious to himself that he possessed no wisdom, on any subject, great or small.

At length he resolved to put the matter to the test, by taking measure of the wisdom of other persons as compared with his own. Selecting a leading politician, accounted wise by himself and others, he put a series of questions to him, and found his supposed wisdom was no wisdom at all. He next tried to demonstrate to the politician himself how much he was deficient; but he refused to be convinced.

 He then saw a meaning in the oracle, to the effect that his superiority to others lay not in his wisdom, but in his being fully conscious of his ignorance. He tried the same experiment on other politicians, then on poets, and lastly on artists and artisans, and with the same result. Thereupon, he considered it as a duty imposed on him by the Delphian god, to cross-question men of all degrees, as to their knowledge, to make them conscious of their ignorance, and so put them in the way of becoming wise. According to Xenophon, he would pass from his severe cross-questioning method, and address to his hearers plain and homely precepts, inculcating self-control, temperance, piety, duty to parents, brotherly love, fidehty in friendship, diligelice, etc.

Cicero said that "brought down philosophy from the the heavens to the earth." The previous philosophies consisted of vast and vague speculations on nature as a whole, blending together Cosmogony, Astronomy, Geometry, Physics, Metaphysics, etc. had studied these systems, and they had left on his mind a feeling of emptiness and unsuitability for any human purpose. It seemed to him that men's endeavors after knowledge would be better directed to human relationships, as involving men's practical concerns. Accordingly he was the first to proclaim that "the proper study of mankind is man;" human nature, human duties and human happiness make up a field of really urgent and profitable inquiry.

Socrates Biography

Socrates was a Greek philosopher, who is often considered to be the father of Western philosophy, and a key figure in the development of Western civilization.

He left no actual writing so impressions of Socrates have come primarily from the writings of his student, Plato. There are also other contributions from Xenophon and a contemporary playwright - Aristophanes.

It is possible that Plato embellished the legacy of Socrates by making him appear the most noble philosopher; an ideal to be cherished and followed. The extent of this embellishment is hard to quantify, but the life of Socrates remains a great inspiration to many.

Socrates married Xanthippe and together they had three children. Tradition suggests that Xanthippe was argumentative and hard to please, with Socrates the model of philosophic calm.

The Socratic Method

The Socratic Method

Apart from a brief spell in the army, it is not clear how Socrates earned a living; but he attracted a group of young men, who came to learn and study with Socrates. Socrates sought to teach through a path of self-enquiry. He did not claim to have the answers; he would merely ask questions to his students, forcing them to think for themselves and question their own dogmas and beliefs.

"As for me, all I know is that I know nothing,"

This famous statement of Socrates is symptomatic of his Socratic method. Socrates was always aware of the limitation of his knowledge.

During Socrates' life, the state of Athens was undergoing political turmoil after suffering a humiliating defeat in the Peloponnesian war. This exacerbated feelings of nationalism and loyalty to the Athenian state. However, Socrates felt compelled to test, and examine his own countrymen. He was also willing to criticise and test conceptions of justice and avoid a narrow sectarian viewpoint.

At one point, Socrates famously states (as quoted by Plutarch).

"I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world."

However, his persistent criticisms and questioning created political enemies; his position was worsened by the suspicious climate of the time.

Academy of Athens

More about Socrates

His name was Socrates and he was born in Athens, Greece, in 470 BC. His father was a stonemason, and his skills were needed because Athens had almost been destroyed nine years earlier by the Persians. His mother was a mid-wife, who delivered babies for many of the wealthy families in the city.

When he was very young, he started going to the sculpture studio with His father. He taught him how to make stone sculptures by asking him to copy some of his carvings (like a horse and chariot). Sometimes His father would stop him and tell me to use a different angle with the chisel. I liked his help, but I always asked—"Why?" Many years later, His father remarked that it wasn't the sculpting that made him famous. It was the fact that he always asked questions.

Everyone in Athens took games of all kinds very seriously. Ancient Greeks loved to see strong, fit, and handsome human bodies, especially in boys and men. They believed that they would get on the good side of the gods if they exercised, ate right, and oiled our skin. As he walked to the market, he could see many young men training for the Olympic Games. He was jealous for two reasons. First, it was only the rich young men who could afford to spend every day training for competition. Second, he was short and stocky, so he knew he would never look like a Greek "god."

Ancient Greeks were also very interested in knowledge and learning. He was very fortunate to be able to study drama, science, astronomy, math, and geometry. He continued to ask "why" throughout His studies. He especially enjoyed being able to debate with His teachers. He always asked questions about how to determine what was right and what was wrong.

When he was much older, His father died, and he inherited his property and place in the government. Being a man of property, he was also obligated to serve in the Athenian army. He fought in many wars, and he was a very good warrior, although he did not like the fighting.

When he returned from the wars, he was able to do what he really enjoyed — teaching. I would wander the streets of Athens, asking questions, debating issues, and seeking answers. Most of the other teachers charged for their knowledge, but His lessons were free. All he wanted was to inspire others to think and reason. Sometimes His students would get frustrated with me because he would not simply give lectures or answers. Instead, he insisted that they learn by asking questions, debating issues, and finding a logical conclusion. Unfortunately, His teaching methods and His desire to share knowledge turned out to be His downfall.

When he was 70 years old, he was brought to trial for worshipping strange gods. His accusers said that he taught young men to think dangerous thoughts. He was found guilty of these "crimes" and sentenced to death. Although His friends had a plan to help him escape from prison, he refused. After spending His life searching for the meaning of right and wrong, he felt it was wrong to run away from the government's verdict. He told His friends, "No greater good can happen to a man than to discuss virtue every day, and an unexamined life is not worth living."

So, in February of the year 399 BC, he chose to end His life quickly by drinking a potion of poisoned Hemlock. His last words were, "The hour of departure has arrived. We go our separate ways—I to die and you to live. Which is better is known to God alone."

One of His most famous students (Plato) wrote many stories about His life. Shortly after His death, Plato wrote that he had been: "A man, I think, who was, of all men of his time, the wisest and best and most just." It warms His soul to know that even now, 2500 years later, He was remembered as one of the greatest teachers of all times. The strategy of learning by asking questions is known as the Socratic Method, and it is used throughout the world.

The Oracle of Delphi

A friend of Socrates, asked the Oracle of Delphi if anyone was wiser than Socrates. The Oracle said that no one was wiser than Socrates.

Socrates thought this was a paradox, because he didn't know anything. However, after talking to all the leading poets and dignitaries of Athens, Socrates realized that although other people thought they knew a lot - actually they didn't. So Socrates affirmed that the Oracle was right. He was the wisest - purely because he was aware of his own ignorance.

"I am wiser than this man, for neither of us appears to know anything great and good; but he fancies he knows something, although he knows nothing; whereas I, as I do not know anything, so I do not fancy I do. In this trifling particular, then, I appear to be wiser than he, because I do not fancy I know what I do not know." 

Indictment against Socrates

In the year 400 B.C., an indictment was laid against Socrates, in the following terms;

"Socates is guilty of crime; first, for not worshiping the gods whom the city worships, and for introducing new divinities of his own; next for corrupting the youth. The penalty due is death." 

The trial took place before a court composed of citizen-judges, like our juries, but far more numerous; the number present seems to have been 557. His defense is preserved by Plato, under the title Apology of Socrates. He dwelt on his mission to convict men of their ignorance for their ultimate benefit; pronounced himself a public blessing to the Athenians; declared that if his life was preserved he would continue in the same course; and regarded the prospect of death with utter indifference. By a majority of five or six he was adjudged guilty and sentenced to death by poison. The last day of his life he passed in conversation with his friends on the Immortality of the soul. He then drank the hemlock, and passed away with the dignity and calmness becoming his past career.

Socrates poisoned

(To me, without Socrates Greece is nothing. With Socrates, it is everything. The day Athens chose to poison Socrates, it poisoned the whole Greek spirit. It has never again been to the same heights. Twenty-five centuries have passed, but not a single man has been able to reach to the same glory, to the same light, the same insight. - Socrates Poisoned Again After 25 Centuries, - OSHO)

Socrates  Quotes

Wisdom, Wonder, Begins

Wisdom begins with wonder

Religion, Good, God

Our prayers should be for blessings in general, for God knows best what is good for us.

Alive, Wisest

I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.

Wisdom, True

True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us.

Souls

All men's souls are immortal, but the souls of the righteous are immortal and divine.

 Good, Happy

He is richest who is content with the least, for content is the wealth of nature.

Honest, Child

An honest man is always a child.

Wisdom, Knowledge, True

True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing.

Life, Busy, Beware

Beware the barrenness of a busy life.

Him, Himself, Move

Let him that would move the world first move himself.

Death, Greatest, Human

Death may be the greatest of all human blessings.

(He's not really your father.

One Sunday morning George burst into the living room and said, "Dad!, Mom! I have some great news for you! I am getting married to the most beautiful girl in town. She lives a block away and her name is Susan.

After dinner, George's dad took him aside, "Son, I have to talk with you. Look at your mother, George. She and I have been married 30 years. She's a wonderful wife and mother, but, she has never offered much excitement in the bedroom, so I used to fool around with women a lot. Susan is actually your half sister, and I'm afraid you can't marry her."

George was brokenhearted. After eight months he eventually started dating girls again. A year later he came home and very proudly announced, "Diane said yes! We're getting married in June!"

Again his father insisted on another private conversation and broke the sad news. "Diane is your half sister too, George. I'm awfully sorry about this." George was livid! He finally decided to go to his mother with the news his father had shared. "Dad has done so much harm. I guess I'm never going to get married," he complained. "Every time I fall in love, Dad tells me the girl is my half sister."

"Hee hee," his mother chuckled, shaking her head, "don't pay any attention to what he says. He's not really your father.")

The three sieves of Socrates

Three Sieves of Scratese

One day, the old wise Socrates walks down the streets, when all of the sudden a man runs up to him "Socrates I have to tell you something about your friend who..."

"Hold up" Socrates interrupts him "About the story you're about to tell me, did you put it trough the three sieves?"

"Three sieves?" The man asks "What three sieves?"

"Let's try it" Socrates says.

"The first sieve is the one of truth, did you examine what you were about to tell me if it is true?" Socrates asks.

"Well no, I just overheard it" The man says.

"Ah, well then you have used the second sieve, the sieve of good?" Socrates asks "Is it something good what you're about to tell me?"

"Ehm no, on the contrary" the man answers.

"Hmmm" The wise man says "Let's use the third sieve then, is it necessary to tell me what you're so exited about?"

"No not necessary" the man says.

"Well" Socrates says with a smile "If the story you're about to tell me isn't true, good or necessary, just forget it and don't bother me with it."

Two Short Stories Of Socrates

Human history is filled with wisdom and with the latest technology in hand, it's almost effortless to uncover some wisdom thoughts. Though, the critical thinking process cannot be escaped and then the implementation is usually the most difficult part. In short, it's always easy said than done (and it's always easy thought than said). Below are two stories repeated by OSHO in his book Life, Love, Laughter - Celebrating Your Existence.

Story One

When Socrates was dying he was so enchanted that his disciples could not understand what he was feeling so happy about. One disciple, Credo, asked "Why are you looking so happy? We are crying and weeping." Socrates said, "Why should I not be happy? I have known what life is, now I would like to know what death is. I am at the door of a great mystery, and I am thrilled! I am going on a great journey into the unknown. I am simply full of wonder! I cannot wait!"

Story Two
One disciple asked Socrates "Are you so certain that the soul will survive after death?" Socrates said, "I don't know." Then the disciple asked, "Then why are you feeling so happy if the soul does not survive, then ...?" Socrates said, "I have to see. If I survive, there can be no fear about it. If I don't survive, how can there be fear? If I don't survive, I don't survive. Then where is the fear? There is nobody there, so fear cannot exist. If I survive, I survive. There is no point in getting afraid about it. But I don't know exactly what is going to happen. That's why I am so full of wonder and ready to go into it. So, I don't know."

Trial and Execution of Socrates

Socrates' unorthodox political viewpoints and willingness to expose the ignorance of others created many enemies. This led to his arrest and trial. This trial was sensationalised in the dialogues of Plato. Plato paints a picture of a philosopher perfectly detached from the fear of death and committed to the truth. Shortly before his death, Socrates said:

"The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our ways — I to die and you to live. Which is the better, only God knows."

We owe a rooster 

When Socrates was found guilty of 'corrupting the minds of the youth of Athens and of 'impiety' He calmly accepted the verdict and rather than try and escape the death penalty - he accepted the hemlock poison. If Socrates had repudiated his beliefs, he could have been free; he could also have tried to escape; but as a philosopher he felt it more important to stick to his beliefs. He also felt a social contact with the state of Athens, and therefore should willingly meet his fate. Socrates' last words were:

"Crito, we owe a rooster to Asclepius. Please, don't forget to pay the debt." Asclepius was the Greek god for curing illness
.

This could have meant Socrates saw death as freedom for the soul. Others interpret it has meaning that his death was a purifying remedy for Athens' misfortune and mistakes.

Best Line: "The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our ways — I to die, and you to live. Which is better God only knows."

Quotes of Socrates

“If you don't get what you want, you suffer; if you get what you don't want, you suffer; even when you get exactly what you want, you still suffer because you can't hold on to it forever. Your mind is your predicament. It wants to be free of change. Free of pain, free of the obligations of life and death. But change is law and no amount of pretending will alter that reality.”

  “The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance.”

 “Death may be the greatest of all human blessings.”

  “Every action has its pleasures and its price.”

 “The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.”

“Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty.”

  “I am not an Athenian nor a Greek, but a citizen of the world.”

“Envy is the ulcer of the soul.”

  “We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.”

 “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”

 “Be of good cheer about death, and know this of a truth, that no evil can happen to a good man, either in life or after death.”

 “Think not those faithful who praise all thy words and actions; but those who kindly reprove thy faults.”

 “Life contains but two tragedies. One is not to get your heart’s desire; the other is to get it.”

  “He who is unable to live in society, or who has no need because he is sufficient for himself, must be either a beast or a god.”

 “Wisdom begins in wonder.” 

( Sherlock's Night Out
... just for a break

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson go on a camping trip. After a good dinner and a bottle of wine, they retire for the night, and go to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes wakes up and nudges his faithful friend.

'"Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see."

'"I see millions and millions of stars, Holmes," replies Watson.

'"And what do you deduce from that?"

Watson ponders for a minute.

'"Well, astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful, and that we are a small and insignificant part of the universe. What does it tell you, Holmes?"

Holmes is silent for a moment. "Watson, you idiot!" he says.

"Someone has stolen our tent!"

Few more quotes ...

“wealth does not bring goodness, but goodness brings wealth and every other blessing, both to the individual and to the state”

 “I do believe that there are gods, and in a far higher sense than that in which any of my accusers believe in them.”

“Remember that there is nothing stable in human affairs; therefore avoid undue elation in prosperity, or undue depression in adversity.”

The wise man seeks death all his life and therefore death is not terrible to him.”

 “My plainness of speech makes them hate me, and what is their hatred but a
proof that I am speaking the truth.” 

“How can you wonder your travels do you no good, when you carry yourself around with you?”

“I will not yield to any man contrary to what is right, for fear of death, even if I should die at once for not yielding.”

The Secret of Success

One day, a young man went to the home of Socrates, the great Greek philosopher, and asked, "Sir, I have come to seek your wisdom.  Will you help me?" 

Socrates looked at the boy and replied, "How can I be of assistance?"

 The boy responded, "I want to be a great success. Will you teach me all I need to know so I can be a great success?"

"Certainly, my son," replied Socrates.  "Walk with me."  Socrates began to walk and headed towards the sea.  Once on the sand, Socrates continued to walk straight into the water.  The young man followed.  When both were chest deep in the ocean, Socrates placed his hands on the young man's head and quickly forced it under the water. After about ten seconds, the young man fought his way to the surface and began to gasp for air.  Socrates released the boy’s head, turned and walked away.

The young man was appalled.  He had traveled a great distance to meet with this scholar whom he admired and respected and when he asked for his wisdom all he did was put his head under water.  Never again, vowed the young man, would he seek the advice of Socrates.

However, time as we know, has a way of healing wounds and after a week went by, the young man thought maybe he did something to upset Socrates.  So back he went to visit the scholar.  Again he beseeched Socrates to teach him all he needed to know so he could be a great success.

Socrates smiled and once again agreed.He asked the young man to follow him and again they walked toward the ocean. Just like before, Socrates walked in the water and, when the water was chest high, Socrates grabbed the young man by his head and pushed it under water.  This time, however, the young man was ready.  Before going under, he took a big gulp of air and held his breath for almost for thirty seconds before coming up gasping for air.  As he wiped the water from his eyes, he saw Socrates already on the shore walking away.

Secret of Success

Now the young man was livid.  Twice he had approached Socrates for the knowledge he needed to become a great success and twice Socrates took him to the ocean and put his head under water.  Never ever again would he be insulted and humiliated like this.

Well, thirty days passed and the young man had time to reflect. He truly wanted to be a success.  Socrates had the wisdom he needed so he decided to go one final time to see the scholar.  Upon arriving at Socrates’ home, he rapped on the door.  When Socrates appeared, the young man said, "I hope you remember me?" 

Socrates flashed a big smile and said, "I do.  You are the young man who wants to be a great success."

The young man once again asked Socrates, "Will you please teach me all I need to know and all I need to learn to be a success?" 

Socrates nodded and said, "Absolutely."  Then he started walking toward the ocean with the young man following in step.

This time the young man was well prepared.  As soon as Socrates grabbed his head, he took a deep swallow of air, relaxed and was able to hold his breath underwater for almost two minutes. When he finally surfaced for air, Socrates had already walked away.

Furious the young man ran after Socrates.  When he was a few feet from Socrates he shouted, "Socrates, why is it every time I come to you and ask for your help to gain the wisdom and the knowledge on how to be a great success, all you do is take me out in the water and dunk my head?"

Socrates turned around, faced the young man, and said, "Son, I have tried three times now to teach you the secret of being a great success. The secret is simple: When you want to succeed as much as you want to breathe, you will be a great success."

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