"La vida no examinada no vale la pena vivirla"

Living without reflecting on your actions, thoughts, and motivations can lead to a hollow existence. This is the heart of the saying you're thinking about. When Socrates declared that life without self-examination isn't worth living, he was urging us to deeply consider our choices and understand our true selves.

Back in ancient Greece, Socrates was all about questioning everything. He believed that probing into our lives, beliefs, and values was the way to wisdom. He was kind of a philosophical rebel, always challenging the status quo and pushing others to think deeply. His commitment to this belief was so intense that it eventually led to his trial and death. He chose to die rather than stop questioning, which shows just how seriously he took this idea.

Now, let’s bring this into a more modern context. Picture a young woman named Sarah. She’s working a nine-to-five job she hates, but she never pauses to ask herself why she’s doing it. She’s just going through the motions—wake up, go to work, come home, watch TV, sleep, and repeat. One day, Sarah decides to take a step back and really think about her life. She realizes that her true passion lies in painting and that she’s been ignoring it all this time because she was scared of pursuing something unconventional. So, she starts dedicating her evenings and weekends to her art. Over time, she finds a way to make a living from her passion. That’s a perfect example of how examining your life can lead to profound changes and fulfillment.

But how do you actually start applying this wisdom in your own life? Begin with small steps. Set aside a little time each day for self-reflection. Ask yourself questions like, "Am I happy with what I’m doing?" or "Is there something I’ve always wanted to try but haven't?" Write down your thoughts—journaling can be a powerful tool. Don’t worry about getting it perfect; the goal is to start thinking more deeply about your life.

Imagine you’re having coffee with a friend who’s stuck in a rut. They’re complaining about their job, their relationship, and just feeling generally unfulfilled. You might suggest they take some time to reflect on what’s really important to them and what changes they might need to make. It’s like planting a seed—they might not make a huge change overnight, but just starting to think about these things can lead to a more examined, and ultimately more satisfying, life.

Sure, it can be scary to look inside and question everything. What if you don’t like what you find? But think about it this way: you’re already living your life, so why not live it in a way that’s meaningful and true to you? The unexamined life might be easier in the short term, but in the long run, it’s the examined life that’s truly worth living.