Friday, September 12, 2014

Is the Unexamined Life Worth Living?

Is the unexamined life worth living?

I think it definitely can be. The unexamined life is not one I wish to live, but I try not to judge those that do. I think sometimes it can even be beneficial. If a person is truly happy with their life, the universe and their place in it and doesn't wish to mar that outlook with deeper consideration- good on them. Now I'm not necessarily going to respect their opinions or expect them to make sound decisions, but I think there is something to be said for their life. Just because a person doesn't analyze their existence doesn't mean they cannot do good or contribute to society. Some people cannot handle too much self examination or become depressed by it and sometimes it is better overall for them not to question.

Sometimes there are people who do not examine their life but are still unhappy. They don’t examine this unhappiness because they are afraid they will only find more sadness. I have run into a lot of these people and I think they ought to serve as an example to the rest of us. Sometimes people make themselves even sadder by pretending that they aren't. Simply accepting things is not the answer; it will not make you happy. Happiness has to come from you and if you are not already happy turning a blind eye to it will not change it.

I believe leading an examined life is very important, but I do not believe that an unexamined life is worthless. Even the simplest, worst things have worth.

2 comments:

  1. I know that you're able to examine your own life and be happy, but do you think that more people you know examine the sadness or happiness in their worlds?

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  2. I agree that the unexamined life is not completely worthless. I was struggling with this question because while it may be clear that examining your life can lead to a better, deeper understanding of things, there is something to be said for not messing with a good thing by thinking about it too much. I think while it may be better to try and examine things, it can be harmful to spend too much time looking within instead of enjoying what you have.

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