# The Need for a Modern Socrates By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2024-11-17 Socrates once asked how the mind knows itself. In the dialogue, Socrates shows that an eye can see itself by looking in a mirror, but what is equivalent to a mirror for the mind to know itself? Socrates argues that discussing and challenging each other's thoughts is the closest thing to a mirror we have for the mind. How many of us engage in such dialogue and discussion? Some may argue that the internet has exponentially increased this kind of dialogue. Anyone and everyone can put forth their thoughts and critique others. However, this is primarily a shallow level of engagement. Both sides merely argue for their perspective with little openness to being wrong. People are much more concerned with winning the arguments than knowing oneself or understanding the point. Oddly enough, this was also occurring during the time of Socrates. Scholars of the time focused on rhetoric and winning arguments, and this was passed down through society. There was no focus on truth and meaning. After serving as a foot soldier, Socrates started asking many questions and systematically dismantled many people's beliefs and perspectives. He wasn't doing this to win the argument; he was doing this to provide mirrors for the mind to improve his understanding and that of others. This form of questioning embarrassed many people, and he was eventually sentenced to death, which he could have easily avoided at the cost of his beliefs. However, he changed the course of humanity and ushered in new ways of being. Who today is acting like Socrates? Where does such wisdom reside, and who is willing to face death? The need is great, but I fear many are missing the point. #### Related Items [[Socrates]] [[Philosophy]] [[Reflection]] [[Discussions]] [[Society]] [[Progress]] [[Death]] [[Beliefs]]