Think About It

Many young philosophers are familiar with the phrase “the unexamined life is not worth living”. Socrates, the man behind the quote, is considered a father of philosophy for a reason. Even if one does not agree with his view, it is certainly a complex thought and a great subject for debate. I do agree with this statement and think more people ought to practice what ol’ Socrates was preaching.

I have come to believe that the reflection of one’s self is a very important part of life. Many people act a certain way and say certain things without knowing the whole meaning behind them. Examining your life can help you understand who you are and why you do things in that certain way that you do. Thinking about yourself in this way can lead you to make major changes in your life. But even if this reflection doesn’t inspire a change in you, it will help you understand who you are. This understanding of who and why you are can lead to an enlightened and happy life, something I feel is an essential part of being.

And if you won’t examine your life for yourself, at least do it for those around you. I’d like to think that turning inward could cause people to not only understand why they are, but why others are. Hopefully this revelation in how they and others think would lead to more acceptance in the world. This could be just wishful thinking, but what else is a teenager to do?

Many young philosophers are also familiar with the phrase “ignorance is bliss”. While this is a complex statement just like Socrates’, I do not believe this one. Ignorance towards your life may be the easy route to take, but ultimately a fulfilling life is not an easy one. Examining your life is a difficult and intimidating task, but I think if we think ahead, it’s the best choice.