The Socratic instinct in the self can operate the same way. In its caustic moments the Socratic function does some of the work of the fool or court jester in Shakespeare. Its job is to be offensive when the ego overrates itself. It pokes at self-importance and hubris when they need mockery; it looks long and hard for the emperor’s clothes and doesn’t find them. And it shows surprise and chagrin when the emperor is enraged.
