Dishonor is demolishing ones pride and failure to fulfill ones duty is a form of dishonor. Socrates, who had a god given duty was chastised and eventually killed for his unintentional masterwork. His alternatives to save himself could only bring dishonor to himself and humiliation to his followers. Staying true to the identity one is given is above all because nothing is worth the dishonor and letting down the believers. His legacy leads generations to come to stay true to their selves, and trust in the voice even though others will test your morals and honor. Comparable to Jesus, Socrates consistently maintained his theory of reasoning versus identity.
Socrates journey to find reasoning shed light to corruption. Upon learning that he was the wisest man, by the gods, Socrates was determined to prove the prophecy wrong. His journey proved detrimental to his life. Socrates strategy to find the wisest man angered the higher authority. When examining the self proclaimed wise men of authority he finds the complete opposite of his beliefs. Each prestigious man spoke highly yet these men knew nothing. On the contrast Socrates believed he knew nothing and could not pretend as if he did. Socrates goes on to explain his search and findings in the passage:
I found that the men most in repute were all but the most foolish; and that others less esteemed were really wiser and betterAnd there, I said to myself, you will be instantly detected; now you will find out that you are more ignorant than they are. Accordingly, I took them some of the most elaborate passages in their own writings, and asked what was the meaning of them-thinking that they would teach me something. I further observed that upon the strength of their poetry they believed themselves to be the wisest of me in other things in which they were not wise. So I departed, conceiving myself to be superior to them for the same reason that I was superior to the politicians. (1092)
Each fraudulent man felt threatened and retaliated by bringing down Socrates. Their intelligence was tested and by any means necessary they planned on protecting their power. Socrates quest of going from noble to noble was an insult to each man. A poor man intruding his accusations upon well established men was unheard of. By doing so, they would pick an innocent man and attempt to taint his honor and accomplishments. The reasoning of murdering an innocent man only provided more insight to Socrates theory. These high officials, who boasted greatness and power, had nothing to show but hot air and complete ignorance.
Although Socrates is being persecuted for his gift, he does not ask for forgiveness. As his friends plead for him to ask for a lesser punishment, he remains persistent to keep his identity. The gods have blessed him with the ability to enlighten and educate others. It would be a dishonor if he defied his identity. There was an abundance of support from friends and family to request a punishment of less severity. Socrates has the strict discipline to stay focused and accomplish what is necessary of him. Giving into a society that is corrupt, by the government, would be an insult to his intelligence and accomplishments. Without fear he shows the ignorant individuals, in a way that knowledge is power. Defying the wishes of the accusers, show his devotion to maintain his identity. Although humble, Socrates cannot fathom the impact he caused for his followers. His duty becomes his identity as a leader even with sacrifice. Socrates had a duty to find the wisest man, because he doubted himself as the wisest. Through his search he finds he above the noble and knowledgeable. He also provides fellow poor men that they are too wiser than the officials. It gives other men confidence that they dont have to feel degraded because of class, but because they possess the reasoning to understand just as Socrates. Socrates leadership impacted his fellowmen because they too were wiser than the incompetent higher officials.
This is my teaching, and if this is the doctrine which corrupts the youth, I am a mischievous person. But if any one says that is not my teaching, he is speaking an untruth. Wherefore, O men of Athens, I say to you, do as Anytus bids or not as Anytus bids, and either acquit me or not; but whichever you do, understand that I shall never alter my ways, not even if I have to die many times.(1099)
He has done his civic duty by overpowering the greater officials and accepting his death. By doing so, Socrates became more of an influence to society. Now others could see the fault in the justice system. Also, they could see that a fellow man would give his life to show dignity is more important than lessening himself to satisfy the officials. Being submissive to the wishes of the higher officials would have shown weakness.
By sentencing Socrates to death it is apparent that the offended higher officials were afraid and unwilling to change. It shows insecurity in the system since their ignorance was brought to light by Socrates. He challenged authority by exposing how ignorance was truly the corruption. Just because death was given to him, why should he be afraid? With his gift, Socrates would accept death because there is not true understanding of death. There is no true wisdom when pretending to know the unknown. Officials never had someone of Socrates stature to go against their authority and gain such a group of believers. It was similar to Jesus, in the new testament, proclaiming that serfs were really the ones who were worthy of power because they held the knowledge. His defiance was solely actions brought on by the gods. His duty was to provide service to society and help lead others.
That you may sin against the God by condemning me, who am his gift to you. For if you kill me you will not easily find a successor to me, who, if I may use such a ludicrous figure of speech, am a sort of gadfly, given to the state by God; and the state is a great and noble steed who is tardy in his motions owing to his very sizeWhen I say that I am given to you by God, the proof of my mission is this:-if I had been like other men, I should not have neglected all my own concerns or patiently seen the neglect of them during all these years what I say-my poverty.(1099)
By the gods theory, if he fears death then he would know what occurs after death. By comparing himself to a gadfly it symbolizes that the officials are unwilling to change. Socrates death sentence is a tragedy to all valuable deities. His willingness not to postpone his death shows his followers an important lesson.
and they of whom you speak are right in acting so, for they think they will be gainers by the end of the delay; but I am right in not following their example, for I do not think I should gain anything by drinking that poison a little later; I should only be ridiculous in my own eyes for sparing and a saving a life which is already forfeit. Please then do as I say, and not to refuse me. (.1110)
Socrates knows he is in a bind. If Socrates chooses spare his own life in return he would be a coward and not stay true to his identity. His only other option is accepting his sentence and protecting his civic duty while continuing to do what he knows is morally right. His voluntary idea of identifying knowledge went against politicians and poets. Ignorance is an easier path to choose but knowledge is the key. The officials can sound as if they are intelligent but hot air can only go so far.
In many ways, Socrates embodies Jesus. Both Jesus and Socrates enlightened many individuals. Their beliefs were somewhat similar in which to live fair and the belief of self examination. Also, both men were being accused of corrupting the minds of individuals, when really the thought of unconformity. Killing an innocent man accomplished nothing in the long run. His death left followers to criticize what was believed to be a greater authority. Why bring down a man who was told by the Gods to teach others and that was their duty to others. The authoritys idea of silencing the one man that could have helped shape society at that time failed miserably. It only proved once more that their ignorance would be the downfall to the society. Truly, it was a sacrifice by both men. Socrates could have disobeyed the Gods and been a regular man who was controlled by officials. It takes someone to set themselves apart from the mass and set the example for their children and the future. Remarkably, the works of these heroic men were never written down, only leaving works by famous writers and philosophers. Although criticized for being an atheist, Socrates and Jesus proclaim to have God guide them through their divine right. They both are selfless in the fact they choose to give their lives for their faith in the higher gods. Both Socrates and Jesus gave poor men empowerment; other citizens could find their identity through the sacrifice of each man.
Wherefore, O judges, be of good cheer about death, and know of certainty, that no evil can happen to a good man, either in life or after death The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our ways-I to die, and you to live. Which is better God only knows. (1107)
Socrates took a step in disregarding the plea bargain and made more of an impact on the future of Rome. His life remarks the change and the downfall of ignorance. There was no purpose in murdering a man who helped shape a society. In spite his death he still teaches the lesson of reason and duty. When in reality the society only hurt them by reaffirming Socrates beliefs that ended the ignorance of a society.
Already have an account? Log In Now
5246