Examine Your Life like an Ancient Philosopher

Summary

In this philosophical exploration, Parker Setak introduces 'soliloquies' as a tool for self-reflection and introspection, originating from ancient philosophers like Socrates and further developed by St. Augustine. The video demonstrates how to maintain a personal book of soliloquies to examine one's beliefs and motivations, offering a method to live an 'examined life.' It also suggests engaging with philosophical texts and provides a discount for a leather journal to facilitate this practice.

Takeaways

• 📜 'Know thyself' is a famous philosophical maxim inscribed on the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, highlighting the importance of self-examination in life.
• 🗣️ Socrates, known as the wisest man in Athens, sought to understand the Oracle's claim by examining himself, others, and life's deepest questions.
• 📚 Plato's dialogues, featuring Socrates, often conclude with the realization that true wisdom lies in knowing one's own ignorance, emphasizing the value of an examined life.
• 💡 The concept of 'soliloquies' was coined by St. Augustine, derived from Latin 'solum' (alone) and 'loqui' (speak), to represent a philosophical dialogue with oneself.
• 🎭 Soliloquies in drama refer to a monologue delivered by an actor, often used to express inner thoughts, famously exemplified in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'.
• 📖 St. Augustine's 'Soliloquies' is a philosophical exploration of the existence and nature of the soul, offering a monologue between his thoughts and reason.
• 🤔 Keeping a book of soliloquies involves writing monologues or dialogues to oneself to reflect on personal beliefs, values, and understanding of the world.
• 📝 Two ways to keep a book of soliloquies are suggested: addressing oneself directly in a monologue or creating a dialogue with a representation of reason or wisdom.
• ✍️ The process of writing soliloquies encourages introspection and helps in understanding one's own thoughts, motivations, and beliefs.
• 📘 The script recommends reading works by Plato, St. Augustine, and Boethius to see how they used soliloquies for self-knowledge and philosophical clarity.
• 🛒 The video mentions a partnership with Myy Creative, offering a discount for journal notebooks, which can be used to keep a book of soliloquies.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of philosophical soliloquies according to the video?

The main purpose of philosophical soliloquies is to help individuals get to know themselves better, understand their beliefs, and why they hold those beliefs.

What is the origin of the phrase 'know thyself'?

The phrase 'know thyself' originates from the Temple of Apollo in the ancient Greek Precinct of Deli and was inscribed there as a philosophical maxim.

Who is credited with the idea that the unexamined life is not worth living?

Socrates is credited with the idea that the unexamined life is not worth living, as mentioned by Plato in his 'Apology'.

What is the significance of the Oracle of Deli in the story of Socrates?

The Oracle of Deli, also known as the priestess Pythia, declared one of Socrates' friends as the wisest man in Athens, which led Socrates on a quest to examine the wisdom of others and himself.

How does the video suggest we examine our lives to live a life worth living?

The video suggests that we examine our lives by engaging in philosophical soliloquies, which are monologues or dialogues with oneself to explore and understand one's own beliefs and thoughts.

Who is St Augustine and how did he contribute to the concept of soliloquies?

St Augustine was a Christian philosopher who is believed to have coined the term 'soliloquy' to describe his process of self-reflection and dialogue with his own reason, as well as his exploration of the existence and nature of the soul.

What are the two ways the video suggests to keep a book of soliloquies?

The two ways to keep a book of soliloquies are by writing monologues directed at oneself to explore personal thoughts and beliefs, and by writing dialogues between oneself and a fictional character, such as 'Reason' or 'Lady Philosophy', to engage in a debate or discussion.

What type of questions should one ask in a book of soliloquies according to the video?

One should ask both worldview questions, such as those about the nature of reality, existence of God, and the concept of the soul, and subjective personal questions that explore personal preferences, beliefs, and characteristics.

What is the relationship between a philosopher and a theologian as discussed in the video?

The video suggests that while both a philosopher and a theologian engage in the pursuit of knowledge, they may differ in their approach and focus, with the philosopher being more aligned with the love of wisdom and the theologian with the study of God and religious beliefs.

What is the significance of the book 'The Consolation of Philosophy' by Boethius as mentioned in the video?

The 'Consolation of Philosophy' by Boethius is significant as it demonstrates the use of soliloquies in the form of a dialogue between Boethius and Lady Philosophy, which he uses to console himself while imprisoned.

How does the video recommend using a journal for philosophical soliloquies?

The video recommends using a journal for philosophical soliloquies by writing entries that are either monologues addressing oneself or dialogues with a representation of one's reason or wisdom, and using these entries to reflect on and understand one's beliefs and thoughts.