Socrates Quest For A Good Life

The quest for a good life and happiness has presumably always been central to human beings. Many have taken different approaches to reach this well-desired goal, and among these many is Socrates. Socrates believed that the key to living a good life is through the soul, and not through material objects or reputations. He also thoroughly believed in a daimon and insisted this voice was a higher source of inspiration that deterred him from certain acts and gave him advice. Many of his characteristics for living a good life are a product of his daimon and its guiding information. Socrates takes a non-traditional approach to living a good life through his ethical and conscientious values. His tactics for living a good life are most definitely applicable …show more content…
He focused that the maintenance of the soul was the key to achieving and maintaining a life worth living. One of the main characteristics he stated can be simplified to just doing the right thing. Socrates further declared his point when he explained that one should do the right act regardless of the circumstances. During his trial, when asked if he was ashamed of valuing the right thing now that his life is at stake, he began to defend his beliefs. He responded, “if you supposed that a man who is even a little benefit should take into account the danger of living or dying, not rather consider this alone whenever he acts: whether his actions are just or unjust” (28b). This is explaining that the consequences of an act are truly irrelevant when it is the right thing to do. Socrates ultimately believed that an expert in living well does not easily get confused in situations they encounter, they have a set mind on what they feel is right and should not let fear deter that in any way, which is a perfect example of his respect for conscientious …show more content…
He insisted on pursuing wisdom of the soul even though it got him into trouble and eventually cost him his life. A very dominant aspect of this wisdom does not come from pursuing such things as money, reputation and public honour or nobility, but from prudence, truth and the condition of their soul. “Are you not then ashamed to care for money and reputation, and public honor, while yet having no thought or concern for wisdom and truth and the greatest possible excellence of your soul?” (29d). Socrates clearly stated here that the most important aspects of a life should not be materialized. He believed that in order to be successful, one needs to have the proper intentions and be focused on prudence, truth, or wisdom and everything else will follow. For example, “Not from money does virtue come, but from virtue comes money” (30b). It is thought that if someone were to focus on what is important (according to Socrates) and think consciously about the problem, he might live a better life and be happier. Another very important aspect of one’s life that will improve their overall wisdom and happiness is honesty and being true to yourself. Socrates gave a very good example of this when in the trial he did not want the assistance of women and children to sway the decision in his favour. He just wanted the facts to be focused on. It becomes important to note that