When Socrates pointed out that “the unexamined life is not worth living”, it was probably not his intention to disparage mindless life styles in the twenty-first century. But he foresaw how, as passive clingers to thoughts that others imprint on us, we allow ourselves to become victims. Political parties, for example, instruct us how to think about crucial issues that affect our everyday lives. Religious institutions instruct us how to think about morality and the hereafter. Businesses spend billions telling us how to think about what we consume. Radio talk show hosts inform us whom to fear, whom to hate, and which simplistic solutions to embrace. Our peers signal us which races, what conduct, which social practices, aspirations, conversations, and even thought patterns are acceptable.
Vast numbers of us live essentially unexamined lives, feeding off “truths” that others have drilled into our heads. The simple act of thinking for ourselves and demanding evidence for everything could go further to improve our lives than all of the platitudes from all of the institutions mentioned. But beware – their central belief is that we are fools. And they despise us when we achieve independence – the reward that comes with thinking for oneself.
Socrates chose death over submission. Our choices are not so stark, but nearly as important. We have the great honor of living in a nation founded by courageous advocates of intellectual and political independence. Let’s not disrespect their efforts by letting others do our thinking for us.
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