Lessons from Socrates

He drank the glass of poison like drinking a glass of juice. He refers to the prominent Greek philosopher  Socrates. He was born in Athens in the 5th century BCE, Approximately 3000 Years ago. 

He is credited with founding a method of inquiry used to explore philosophical questions and their answers – later to be known as The Socratic Method.

He lived a very simple lifestyle. According to some people and his disciples, he used to wear only 2 pairs of clothes. His mantra was "People live to eat and I eat, to live ".

He had never eaten more than necessary. 

He liked to be an honest man. 

One day, his friend was upset. When Socrates came to know that his friend had a responsibility to take care of 14 women,

He advised him to send women to work. Work like knitting, stitching, etc. His friend after following this advice had a breath of peace.

War was going on between Athens and Sparta(both are Greek states). Athens had won the war. Not only did they win but also they got an EGO not to work degraded jobs. Socrates loved Parivartan.

Parivartan means change. They did not want to be a lazy person. 

He wanted to change the mindset of people by the Socratic method. He used to preach hard work and discipline to youth. The entire young generation of that era was inspired and motivated by Socrates. 

Socrates believed that 'A farmer should cultivate well, a physician should practice well, a politician should administer well, and if a man can do nothing well. It is neither useful to man nor servant of God. If a man is doing useful and necessary work, there is nothing shameful about it. It's the shame of the stupidity.'

Socrates said 'An excellent man does his duty by developing his skills.'

This way he develops himself and also becomes valuable to other people. 

But he was arrested and locked in jail for not believing in the city's god and misguiding youth. 

His disciples Plato and Krito made a plan to get him out of jail. But Socrates said, 'Though the Athenians have sentenced  me, it is never fair to repay injustice with injustice, lies with lies, and sin with sin.' Escaping from prison is said to violate the law and harm the state and citizens. Hence he accepted death.

At that time in Athens, the death penalty was by giving poison. Socrates happily drank the poison like drinking juice. The Athenians departed Socrates from the world by poisoning him. 

3 Lessons from the Life of Socrates :

1. Value of Hard Work and Discipline: Socrates emphasized the importance of hard work and discipline in various aspects of life. 

2. Adaptability to Change: 

Socrates welcomed change (Parivartan) and aimed to transform the mindset of the youth.

3. Courage in the Face of Adversity: Socrates displayed immense courage by accepting his death sentence with grace

There are numerous lessons we can learn from Socrates. He died years ago but his thoughts are still immortal. 

Let's meet again in the next blog, where we'll delve into new topics, explore fresh perspectives, and continue this journey of discovery together. Until then, take care, follow your dreams, and embrace the beauty of time's flow. See you soon! 

Thank you,

Armaan.