OU Honors College Essay PDF

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Socrates, the Greek philosopher, was known for his wisdom and the ability to analyze the deeper meaning of life. His teachings and spoken words allowed for people to question long standing beliefs regarding the very existence of humans on earth. According to Socrates, “the unexamined life is not worth living,” as it would be far worse than facing death itself. If one chooses to not take advantage of the many opportunities one is given, then one’s life is essentially without purpose. The failure to obtain knowledge in a world where it is both boundless and everlasting would inevitably result in living an unexamined life. People who are overly compliant and unassertive tend to never think for themselves--always blindly following the crowd. Those who decide against asking questions and analyzing further also live meaningless lives. Socrates argues that a person’s life simply cannot have value if they remain ignorant and oblivious to the world around them. If one takes the time to examine and explore the world, then one’s knowledge will expand. Furthermore, one should live each day with the purpose of trying to better oneself and accept the many challenges that life presents. Those who go to school with the mindset of obtaining new knowledge, developing a strong mind, and becoming intelligent are the ones who take full advantage of an education. In contrast, those who continue their education for the mere sake of their parents or classmates never truly value the power of learning. A person who lives an examined life would understand what they are capable of achieving, provided they work diligently and challenge the beliefs which the world considers to be “normal.” In addition, one who lives a meaningful life does not act in an impulsive or rash manner, but rather carefully evaluates each possible scenario before acting upon a decision. Moreover, those who think before they act or speak tend to not make weak-minded decisions based on instinct or passion. People with frivolous goals centered around

money, fame, or pleasure can never be as successful as those who strive to gain a deeper understanding of both themselves and the world around them. I completely agree with Socrates’ claim that “the unexamined life is not worth living,” as the failure to examine my own life would result in a lack of knowledge and growth. Living an examined life allows me to succeed in the moment, while reflecting on my past decisions and discoveries. If I choose to remain ignorant about mistakes I’ve made in the past, then I cannot learn and grow from such experiences. We, as humans, have the powerful ability to delve deeper within our own minds by reflecting on our memories. By taking advantage of this ability, we can positively alter our decision-making and look forward to awaiting opportunities in our futures. Living life to the fullest extent involves exploring, analyzing, and questioning the world around us. If we fail to do so, then our lives will be utterly insignificant, as we cannot distinguish our minds from those of animals or other species. Socrates is correct in wanting humans to flourish in their everyday lives, never allowing personal and mental growth to remain stagnant. In order for me to become a better, more successful person, I must examine myself and become aware of my flaws so that I can further improve myself. By challenging my way of thinking, exposing myself to new knowledge, and reflecting on my past, I can undoubtedly say that my life has meaning and significance....