The argument that the unexamined life is not worth living is similar to the modern quote that it is better to die on your feet than live on your knees. When making the argument, Socrates was indicating to his judges that he would prefer to die rather than live without continuing with his life’s pursuit of establishing how to live a positive life (Longstaff, 2013). Socrates was eventually granted his wish and died of poisoning . The statement “unexamined life is not worth living” can thus be construed to mean that humans must either live right or not live at all.
Life is made meaningful by will and capability to make the very best out of the circumstances bequeathed to an individual. Some people confess that life started having meaning when they got married, others when they had their first child, and yet others when they became financially secure. Other people commit suicide because they got married, others because of their children, and yet others soon after winning the lottery. Therefore, meaningful living relies not on the environment that an individual is placed into, but rather what the individual makes out of the environment (Thagard, 2010). A billionaire who files for bankruptcy and begins from scratch can, with the right attitude commence a meaningful living from then on, so can a criminal who receives a life sentence.
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Meaningful living has little to do with material things, but everything to do with the approach and attitude within which individuals approach life. The choice above by Socrates has been relying on the fact that Socrates was a firm believer in life after death. In choosing death, Socrates intended to continue his pursuit of truth in the afterlife. Belief in the supernatural, more so from a religious perspective is considered by many as the basis for a meaningful life. However, few religious believers are committed enough to their belief to make the choice that Socrates made. Therefore, attitude and approach is the basis for a meaningful life.
References
Longstaff, S. (2013). The unexamined life is not worth living. Retrieved January 16, 2018, from http://www.newphilosopher.com/articles/being-fully-human/
Thagard, P. (2010, February 25). What makes life worth living? Retrieved January 16, 2018, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/hot-thought/201002/what-makes-life-worth-living
