The Apology

The Apology Essay

Anthony Giovenco

The Apology Essay

The significance of examining and understanding our lives is far greater than any might think. Understanding the behavior of friends, as well as of ourselves, enables us to live the examined life.

As the wisest man in all of Athens, Socrates believes that the purpose of life is both personal and spiritual growth. In order to truly possess growth, life must be examined. In living an examined life, the following must be conquered: fear, arrogance, and a focus on power.

The first obstacle to consider is fear. Fear is most represented in The Apology, as Socrates believes that all men of the jury fear death and death alone. Socrates himself does not fear death, but does mention that it is not wise to live with this underlying fear. Nothing should stop a man from fighting for what he believes in, not even death. Death should not scare anyone, as nobody knows what death is. Otherwise, that would mean they think they know what it is, and to think you know what you do not know is unwise. “For to fear death, my friends, is only to think ourselves wise without really being wise, for it is to think that we know what we do not know. For no one knows whether death may not be the greatest good that can happen to man.” (Apology 36B) Socrates explains that we cannot fear death because we do not know what is

to come of our demise. He states that death may be the best thing that could possibly happen and that by fearing it, we are deeming ourselves wise when we really are not. Another fear is a fear that takes place in the courtroom. This is the fear of individualism. Various accusers as well as the jury are afraid to vote in favor of Socrates. This is because they do not want to be judged or viewed differently for being in support of the accused.

Fear is present in many aspects of our world today. The first and I believe most important obstacle is the fear of failure. Many people do not take risks in an...