gad·fly
a person who stimulates or annoys especially by persistent criticism
It took me a while to figure out other people in our culture and society today that would fit into this definition just as well, if not better than Socrates. It was difficult because as we all know, Socrates was the epitome of a gadfly; never taking anything for its face value. I finally concluded that Ralph Nader was a gadfly of modern times.
Ralph Nader has been involved in politics, law, and even activism. He has even been able to gain so much publicity off his activism that he has followers called “Nader’s Raiders”. He has just about questioned everything from the ecology’s state to car safety to humans rights. He seems to disregard authority and the beliefs that the system should go by, instead he questions it and tries to come up with ways in which we can improve the system.
Nader was the only one who seemed to inquire on minutia that many others seemed to overlook. While many people took increasing car accidents as normal, Nader questioned it. He spoke up against car manufacturers such as Chevrolet, stating how unsafe their cars were and the amount of lives they were taking. Nobody else even came close to questioning the cause as much as Nader did but by the end Nader had convinced manufacturers about the need for safety belts and stronger windshields. This in a sense, is a parallel to how Socrates was able to win over his opponents into realizing that they had no idea as to what they were saying.
Nader was able to touch onto several if not many other subjects in his activism. He questioned how safe and clean the environment really was during a time in which no one else seemed to care or notice about the pressing issue at hand. All this persistence in his beliefs led him to become a presidential candidate four times for the Green Party. Although he did not win these elections, his activism and determination has left a legacy just the way Socrates’ questioning and philosophy did.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
The Unexamined Life
Everyone at one point in their lives has asked themselves an important question such as what do I want to do when I grow up? What path do I want to take? I believe that humans subconsciously examine their lives whether they like to or not. Examining your life is something essential in life, without it you really don’t get a grip of where you are in life and where you are going.
Socrates came up with this belief that if you never question yourself then you’ll never truly be happy. This is true because if you never ask yourself every once in a while about your wants and needs then it is worthless to live. Everyone wants a reason to live and reason to be on this earth, the reason in other words is the point of life. If you just go about your day to day life without every wondering about yourself or your surroundings even if you are happy, it still is worthless.
Many people waste their whole lives living without meaning, mostly because they are too scared of being judged or criticized for taking a different path. They would rather live in a bubble that their surroundings have molded them into and live in a supposedly “content” life. Many people think that if they have money, health, and a pretty white picket fence surrounding their house that they are living in bliss. Really though, they are living on what society has defined as bliss. If they would analyze and evaluate their lives, they will probably realize that the life they’re living is based on other peoples’ ideas and principles, not their own. That is a worthless life because a valuable life is one in which you live for your wants and happiness, not others.
Socrates came up with this belief that if you never question yourself then you’ll never truly be happy. This is true because if you never ask yourself every once in a while about your wants and needs then it is worthless to live. Everyone wants a reason to live and reason to be on this earth, the reason in other words is the point of life. If you just go about your day to day life without every wondering about yourself or your surroundings even if you are happy, it still is worthless.
Many people waste their whole lives living without meaning, mostly because they are too scared of being judged or criticized for taking a different path. They would rather live in a bubble that their surroundings have molded them into and live in a supposedly “content” life. Many people think that if they have money, health, and a pretty white picket fence surrounding their house that they are living in bliss. Really though, they are living on what society has defined as bliss. If they would analyze and evaluate their lives, they will probably realize that the life they’re living is based on other peoples’ ideas and principles, not their own. That is a worthless life because a valuable life is one in which you live for your wants and happiness, not others.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Eulogy
Carlina started a great life on May 15, 1994. She was only 6 pounds. Who knew that something so little could someday become someone so great? From the beginning, she was a quiet child. She was obedient and did not tend to make scenes. Her parents loved her from the start.
As Carlina grow up, she aspired to be something big. Even though she wasn't sure what exactly this big thing was, she was determined to be someone in the world. She loved her parents very dearly, knowing that they were the reason she had such big goals in life.
During her teen years, she became very interested in supporting the cause of animal rights. She felt that she had to voice the rights for the poor animals who could not. She would go on to become a vegetarian for almost a year and was a regular volunteer in PAWS which is a no kill shelter along with her mom. She also became a regular volunteer at the RUSH hospital which was by her high school, trying to help navigate people around the hospital and meet their needs.
Carlina was able to do many amazing things throughout her life. She went on to become an avid advocate of animal rights and environmental issues such as the overwhelming pollution and waste. She always had a book in hand to read, always wanting to know more and learn more every second she had. She will always be remembered as a passionate and devoted woman who tried to leave an impact on the world.
As Carlina grow up, she aspired to be something big. Even though she wasn't sure what exactly this big thing was, she was determined to be someone in the world. She loved her parents very dearly, knowing that they were the reason she had such big goals in life.
During her teen years, she became very interested in supporting the cause of animal rights. She felt that she had to voice the rights for the poor animals who could not. She would go on to become a vegetarian for almost a year and was a regular volunteer in PAWS which is a no kill shelter along with her mom. She also became a regular volunteer at the RUSH hospital which was by her high school, trying to help navigate people around the hospital and meet their needs.
Carlina was able to do many amazing things throughout her life. She went on to become an avid advocate of animal rights and environmental issues such as the overwhelming pollution and waste. She always had a book in hand to read, always wanting to know more and learn more every second she had. She will always be remembered as a passionate and devoted woman who tried to leave an impact on the world.
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