How do you interpret the statement, "The unexamined life is not worth living"?

[Sarah]

Socrates' calling in life was to use his philosophical skills and examine himself and his fellow men. Were he unable to fulfill his calling, Socrates would feel that his life was worthless or meaningless.
As a Christian, I believe that all people have a God-given calling. God has a purpose for each person's life. Anyone might say with Socrates that a life which does not fulfill its purpose is not worth living. Some introspection is required by each person to find their calling in life. But not every person is called to be a philosopher or to be generally introspective. To the degree that a person was gifted with certain personality traits and abilities, that person should use their giftedness for the good of society. The life lived to its fullest purpose is a life worth living.

[John]

Hi Sarah,

Socrates may have been suggesting that we should thoughtfully examine our actions in view of achieving the "good" life. Do we act justly and without prejudice? Are we temperate in our views and habits? Are we courageous in thought and deed? Are we prudent in achieving our goals? The four cardinal virtues. If we direct ourselves, through examination of our behavior, to becoming better people, are we not striving for that "good" that Aristotle believed was the foundation of happiness?

Socrates may have also had another thought. If we subscribe to the belief that the spirit of God is within us, does not the examination of oneself bring us closer to that spirit? Do we not create that Oneness that is the goal of religious discipline?

I completely agree with you that by discovering our unique skills and abilities we can look forward to a purposeful life that is successful on many levels. I do believe that the process of self examination is, however, a lifelong commitment--a winding staircase of effort and discovery.

Looking forward to being a part of your group.