Socrates and the Power of Listening to Your Inner Voice
The Trial of Socrates: A Lesson in Self-Recapitulation
In this captivating excerpt from Dr. Jordan Peterson’s lecture on the Trial of Socrates, he delves into Socrates’ decision to forgo a defense and explores the concept of elevating one’s aim to create an ideal self.
Socrates’ Dilemma
Socrates, a renowned philosopher, found himself on trial in Athens for his alleged failure to worship the correct gods and corrupting the youth through his teaching and questioning. Aware of the impending trial, Socrates contemplated his options. He could either stay and face potential death or flee to avoid the trial altogether. Surprisingly, he chose neither.
“Why?” Socrates asked himself.
He revealed to a friend that he had an internal voice, a daemon or spirit, that always guided him. This voice didn’t dictate his actions, but rather warned him of what not to do. Whenever it advised against something, Socrates heeded its counsel. Even when he considered planning an escape or mounting a defense, the voice vehemently opposed it. Confused, Socrates questioned the voice’s intentions, given the impending trial and the threat of death.
Ultimately, Socrates concluded that, being in his 70s, the next decade of his life might not hold much promise. Perhaps the gods were offering him an opportunity to gracefully exit the world, putting his affairs in order and bidding farewell to loved ones. This way, he could avoid a potentially agonizing descent into catastrophe, especially for a philosopher. Socrates’ remarkable decision highlights his unwavering commitment to listening to his internal voice, even when it defied conventional wisdom.
The Power of Self-Recapitulation
As Dr. Peterson explains, when you elevate your aim and strive for an ideal, you simultaneously create a judge within yourself. This ideal, whether it’s a position or a conceptualized notion, becomes a source of fear and intimidation because it stands above you, constantly evaluating your actions. This fear often arises when starting a new job, as the looming judgment of the ideal can be overwhelming.
However, this self-imposed judge serves a purpose. By formulating an ideal, you gain insight into what is useless or detrimental about yourself. This knowledge allows you to shed those aspects and continually refine yourself. Each judgment you make at a higher level necessitates discarding more of the unnecessary. Ultimately, by creating an ultimate judge, such as the archetypal figure of Christ, you strive to eliminate everything within yourself that falls short of perfection.
Dr. Peterson emphasizes that this process can be undertaken on your own terms. You don’t have to conform to an external ideal; instead, you can define an ideal that aligns with your values and aspirations. By doing so, you instantly establish a judge that guides your actions. However, many people shy away from this process due to the intimidation it entails.
Embracing the Journey of Self-Recapitulation
Dr. Peterson highlights the importance of not succumbing to the fear of your own ideal. Instead of destroying the ideal to alleviate the pressure, it is better to lower the judge if it becomes overwhelming. Adjusting your ambitions to more reasonable levels allows for incremental progress rather than attempting drastic leaps.
This process of continually recapitulating yourself, shedding unworthy elements, is akin to the mythical phoenix rising from the ashes. As you refine yourself, you become better equipped to face the tragedies of life and serve as a beacon to the world. This journey begins with those closest to you, extending your influence outward.
It is an ambitious pursuit, but one that is entirely attainable. We all know individuals who excel in times of crisis, those we admire. These individuals embody partial incarnations of the archetypal Messiah, becoming invaluable in various situations. The potential for such growth is limitless.
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To delve deeper into Dr. Jordan Peterson’s insights, you can watch his podcast on DailyWire+. Dr. Peterson, a clinical psychologist and professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, has garnered international acclaim for his bestselling books, including “Maps of Meaning,” “12 Rules For Life,” and “Beyond Order.” You can also visit his website to access more of his lectures and content.
How did Socrates demonstrate the concept of self-recapitulation through his decision to forego a defense in his trial?
Process of self-recapitulation is what Socrates embodied through his decision to forego a defense. Socrates recognized that the trial would be an opportunity for self-evaluation and growth. By accepting the judgment of the Athenian court without resistance, he embraced the criticism and used it to further refine his own philosophy and character.
Moreover, Socrates’ decision exemplifies the courage to confront the fear of judgment from others. Many individuals, when faced with criticism or judgment, either become defensive or avoid the situation altogether. Socrates, on the other hand, chose to face the trial head-on, allowing the judgment of others to shape his own understanding of himself.
In a society where the pursuit of individuality and personal happiness often takes precedence, Socrates’ willingness to subject himself to the criticism of his peers is a lesson in humility and self-development. It serves as a reminder that growth and self-improvement require an honest assessment of one’s shortcomings, which can be facilitated through the process of self-recapitulation.
This concept of self-recapitulation is not limited to the realm of philosophy or ancient history. It has practical applications in our daily lives. By continually seeking self-improvement and embracing criticism, we can strive to become better versions of ourselves. This involves setting high standards or ideals and constantly evaluating ourselves against them.
However, it is important to note that self-recapitulation should not be mistaken for self-criticism or self-deprecation. It is about acknowledging our flaws and weaknesses with the intention of growing and becoming better individuals. It requires a balance between self-awareness and self-compassion, understanding that we are all imperfect beings on a journey of continuous improvement.
In conclusion, Socrates’ decision to forgo a defense in his trial serves as a profound lesson in self-recapitulation. By willingly facing the judgment of others and using it as an opportunity for self-evaluation and growth, Socrates exemplified a commitment to his ideals and a desire for personal development. This concept of self-recapitulation is applicable in our own lives, reminding us of the importance of self-reflection and the pursuit of self-improvement.
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