Socrates places a heavy burden on humanity with his assertion that an unexamined life is not worth living. His philosophical genius was to question accepted wisdom through argument. It follows that we should test this Socratic dictate.
If we have lived a conscientious life, observing moral principles and treating others with kindness does it matter if we have not stopped to weigh up our choices or lifestyle?
There are plenty of books available with the theme ‘how to live’. My own favourite is Sarah Bakewell’s How to Live. This biography of Michel de Montaigne describes the life of an exceptional man raised to speak Latin before his native tongue.
Montaigne had the advantage of a wealthy inheritance and an enquiring mind to aid his journeys and essays on a wide range of subjects. His thoughts on life were peppered with classical references but also showed his respect for different cultures with a different heritage.
For those living their lives according to principles handed on by moralistic parents can we really admonish them for not pausing amid the maelstrom of modern living to take stock of their lives?
odespinner 