苏格拉底

The giant Socrates and his thought of lifeAbstractSocrates is the incarnation of wisdom , he is one of the three ancient Greek saints, although it is a simple thing he often explain that for people in a profound light. Socrates is the navigation lamp for stray mind, pointing them in the right direction. Socrates is the burning torches, lighting up the people's consciousness. In the European history, Socrates has always been regarded as the saint pursuiting of truth and conviction, in the end he also sacrified for his blief. The later generation respect him in a high status just as the Confucius in Chinese history, so he was called western Confucius. Socrates has made a profound and lasting influence on various aspects of western society, such as philosophy and politics. In this paper, i will make a brief introduction of Socrates and his thoughts,also included my inspiration after having a further understanding about him.Key words: Socratic method Philosophical Beliefs Virtue Pursue Cherish HappinessThe introduction of SocratesSocrates (born c. 470, Athens — died 399 BC, Athens) is the ancient Greek thinker who laid the early foundations for Western philosophical thought. His "Socratic Method" involved asking probing questions in a give-and-take which would eventually lead to the truth. Socrates was born in Athens and fought as a foot soldier in the Peloponnesian War with Sparta, but in later years became a devotee of philosophy and argument. He spent years in the public places of Athens, engaging his fellow citizens in philosophical discussions and urging them to greater self-analysis. Socrates's iconoclastic attitude didn't sit well with everyone, and at age 70 he was charged with heresy and corruption of local youth. Convicted, he carried out the death sentence by drinking hemlock, becoming one of history's earliest martyrs of conscience. Socrates's most famous pupil was Plato, who in turn instructed the philosopher Aristotle.Greek philosopher whose way of life, character, and thought exerted a profound influence on ancient and modern philosophy. Because he wrote nothing, information about his personality and doctrine is derived chiefly from depictions of his conversations and other information in the dialogues of Plato, in the Memorabilia of Xenophon, and in various writings of Aristotle. He fought bravely in the Peloponnesian War and later served in the Athenian boule . Socrates considered it his religious duty to call his fellow citizens to the examined life by engaging them in philosophical conversation. His contribution to these exchanges typically consisted of a series of probing questions that cumulatively revealed his interlocutor's complete ignorance of the subject under discussion; such cross-examination used as a pedagogical technique has been called the "Socratic method." Though Socrates characteristically professed his own ignorance regarding many of the ethical subjects he investigated , he did hold certain convictions with confidence, including that: (1) human wisdom begins with the recognition of one's own ignorance; (2) the unexamined life is not worth living; (3) ethical virtue is the only thing that matters; and (4) a good person can never be harmed, because whatever misfortune he may suffer, his virtue will remain intact. His students and admirers included, in addition to Plato, Alcibiades, who betrayed Athens in the Peloponnesian War, and Critias (c. 480 – 403 BC), who was one of the Thirty Tyrants imposed on Athens after its defeat by Sparta. Because he was connected with these two men, but also because his habit of exposing the ignorance of his fellow citizens had made him widely hated and feared, Socrates was tried on charges of impiety and corrupting the youth and condemned to death by poisoning in 399 BC; he submitted to the sentence willingly. Plato's Apology purports to be the speech that Socrates gave in his own defense. As depicted in the Apology, Socrates' trial and death raise vital questions about the nature of democracy, the value of free speech, and the potential conflict between moral and religious obligation and the laws of the state.The compassion to happinessSocrates believed the best way for people to live was to focus on self-development rather than the pursuit of material wealth.He always invited others to try to concentrate more on friendships and a sense of true community, for Socrates felt this was the best way for people to grow together as a populace. His actions lived up to this: in the end, Socrates accepted his death sentence when most thought he would simply leave Athens, as he felt he could not run away from or go against the will of his community; as mentioned above, his reputation for valor on the battlefield was without reproach.The idea that humans possessed certain virtues formed a common thread in Socrates' teachings. These virtues represented the most important qualities for a person to have, foremost of which were the philosophical or intellectual virtues. Socrates stressed that "virtue was the most valuable of all possessions; the ideal life was spent in search of the Good. Truth lies beneath the shadows of existence, and it is the job of the philosopher to show the rest how little they really know.There is a famous story reflected Socrates' attitude about life. One day, he led a few disciples came to af wheat field . That's what mature season, the earth is full of heavy grain. Socrates said to his disciples: "you go to the wheat field to pick one of the biggest grain, you should go straight but not retreat into the field. I'm waitting for you at the fronter of the wheat field." His students got the requests, came into the field in succession. The earth is full of big grain, but which one is the biggest? His disciples walked forward, looked at this, shook his head; then seeked another one and shook his head too. They always hold theview that the biggest grain is still in front,s, so the disciples were not satisfied about the grain in their hands, then throwed it away. They always think there are too many opportunitys, it was not necessary to make a decision in such a hurry. Disciples straighted ahead, and picked seriously . A long period of time passed by.Suddenly, they heard a loud voice: "you have got the frontier." Then the disciples with empty hands had recongised that they have no chance. Socrates said to his disciples: "It is definite that the biggest wheat exised in this field, but you may not be able to run into it; even confronted, is unlikely to make the accurate judgment. Because the biggest is the one you just took off."The short story told us that life is just like the seeking journey in the wheat field,we always aimed to search the biggest and most satisfied one,but when we meet it,some people could grasp the good chance immediately, the majority hesitated and look around for a better grain, at last, they got nothing but a couple of empty hands and a sign. Our destiny offers not the cup of despair, but the chalice of opportunity. So let us seize it, not in fear, but in gladness.There is no certain affirm definition about the best, but the one suit you and in your hands is the most content grain. Smart is the highest realm wisdom, wisdom is the highest realm of love. Socrates' soul does not belong to the philosophy, but also belongs to all mankind happiness. Because he opened a road into a free and unfettered life for human.Life is just like walking across the wheat field, there is only one opportunity no one can walk back, if you want to grasp the biggest grain,you must pay great courage and efforts the most important of appreciating the beauty in our dull daily life.Socrates' outward appearance is grotesque:shout and not tall,with prominent eyes, snub nose, broad nostrils and wide mouse,but he is all glorious within. Therefore the size of your body is of little account, the size of your brain is of much account, the size of your heart is of the most account of all. A person have a wisdom heart, whether in which situation he can find a road to happiness. In my perspective, the definition of happiness is the capacity for enjoyment. The more we can enjoy what we have, the happier we are.it's easy to overlook the pleasure we get from loving and being loved, the company of friends, the freedom to live with good health. while happiness may be more complex for us, the solution is the same as ever. Happiness isn't about what will happen to us, it's the knack of finding a positive for every negative, and viewing a setback as a challenge. It's not wishing for what we do not have, but enjoy what we do possess. If you weeped for the missing sunset,you would miss all the shining stars. Remember what should be remembered, and forget what should be forgotten. Alter what is changeable, and accept what is immutable and have a gratitude mind, you will lead to a more meaningfull life.Happiness lies not in the mere possession of money; it lies in the joy of cherishing what you have possessied.。