3rd
Curiosity
It’s arguable that living your life well is the most important mandate humans have. Why is it, then, that we place so much deliberation into becoming masters at pottery, or web development, or love making — rather than living well?
In talking about his fellow Athenians:
To point out the peculiarity of their passivity, Socrates compared living without thinking systematically to practicing an activity like pottery or shoemaking without following or even knowing of technical procedures. One would never imagine that a good pot or shoe could result from intuition alone; why then assume that the more complex task of directing one’s life could be undertaken without any sustained reflection on premises or goals.
Possible explanation for those not inherently drawn to this activity:
It is impossible to quantitatively judge who is living well. (Related: what does it mean to live well?) Therefore:
- From an outsider perspective, looks like those who systematically attempt to live well may be doing no better than those not. That is, no evident value proposition.
- Thinking in such an unstructured environment is mental gymnastics. That is, high cost.
In short, high cost, no return, why bother?
Possible explanation for those inherently drawn to this activity:
Summarizing frustrated anecdotes from numerous friends: thinking systematically and engaging in self-reflection do not contribute to the task of living well and may actually detract.
- Supporting evidence: How often do you hear of a happy philosopher?
In short, why bother?
