Personal Narrative: The Apology Of Socrates

As the world becomes more immersed in advanced technology and more discoveries are made, we assume we know everything. If Socrates were here today he would repeat what he said to Athenians 2,400 years ago, that we know nothing. After Socrates encountered the Oracle of Delphi, which told him he was the wisest man in Athens, he went on a journey to try to disprove the oracle. He did this by asking politicians, poets and craftsmen questions. He knew that he didn’t know everything and along the way, he realized that the public didn’t know more than he did, just that they thought they did. He concluded that he knew nothing and because he acknowledged this, he was the wisest man in Athens. (The Apology of Socrates, 32-35). Socrates’ anecdote
It allows many doors to open in life; however, you have to remain realistic and understand that everyone has limitations. I was born legally blind and my parents were always told that I would never be self-sufficient and would most likely not go to college. Nonetheless, they decided to never tell me I couldn’t do anything. I continued to push myself and didn’t quit at anything before I even gave it a chance like some doctors advised. If I had a closed mind and believed what I was told, instead of questioning it, I wouldn't be attending USC, and I wouldn’t be writing this paper today. My parents kept me optimistic and held my doors open for me at a young age so that I could walk through them and open more doors for myself when I got older. It is important to be optimistic, but realistically everyone has limits. For example, I knew that I wouldn’t be able to drive because of my vision, so I didn’t push for that. Not only would that put me in danger, but also all society. You need to know your limits because not everyone can be president. However, still push yourself because you won’t get anywhere in life if you are
Since Athenians were so close minded, they out casted anyone that didn't conform to their traditions. They should have been open to anything and not simply dislike a person or a situation because it didn’t follow their ideals. Socrates’ trial eventually led to his death and this illustrates that everyone has limitations. We can’t reject what we were taught or certain laws in society just because we don’t agree. Society functions because we work together and change together not because we do what we want. Furthermore, when Socrates was on trial he made a point to say that the democracy was poison to the people. Yet when his friend Crito offers him an escape from his death he denies the offer because he believes it is unjust to not face his execution. There are many theories behind why Socrates said no since he didn’t support the democracy; I believe it is because he had an open mind. (Crito,76-77). Yes, him being open-minded lead to his death; however, it indicates that he understood limitations of the law and respected societies perspectives. Like Athenians, we are so quick to ignore someone's views just because they do not mirror our own. You need to accept that you are not omniscient, and if you think you are then that can lead to arrogance. For example, history is only told by the side that won because they thought they knew everything. Nevertheless, at the next battle, they could