Socrates on Self Confidence

 Socrates is indeed a good philosopher! He knew or felt no fear when he sought after the unknown, after something that most folks of earlier days thought would be best left alone or not ventured. Socrates is different, he chose to tackle about something so simple to define as broad as its definition is and yet hard to embody for most folks, that is Self Confidence.

 What does it mean to have confidence in one's self? How does it affect a person's way of living? Why is Socrates' perspective about confidence related to how we live our lives?

 Simple as it may seem, the definition of self confidence is not something that can be easily put into words. The meaning varies, depending on who uses it or on the situation that arises with it. For some, it may be as plain as not being anxious or nervous or for most modern folks, being self assured or self reliant. Socrates' take on self confidence is related to some of the above mentioned examples of its definition, but he took it to a new level. He emphasized about self confidence in its broadest sense. 

  Self confidence is the basic of all basics when it comes to one's attitude in tackling the world. It is required when one is living in this modern society wherein the principle, oftentimes, is the survival of the fittest. It should be like a second skin or better yet an armor that will help one fight off against being carried off or taken in by the crowd. Let's face it, it sure feels good when you are a part of a pack. To be inside a circle sure has a ring to it, along with the benefits of not having to stand alone and that sense of belonging. It sure helps when you are being supported by all these folks who share the same sentiments and outlook in life. But what happens if one day, you wake up and find out that you do not agree with your group's insights anymore? Would you be willing to walk away from that comfort zone that you have been used to in exchange for voicing out your opinions? That's where Socrates' take on self confidence comes in.

 As we have seen in the video, Socrates is comparing us to a flock of sheep being herded by herdsmen. It is somewhat demeaning to be compared to some mindless sheep, but his statement is not far from being true. As human beings, most of the time, it is in our nature to just go with the flow and just let nature take its course. We oftentimes let other people dictate us on what needs to be done in our lives, on what is right and what is wrong. Socrates refused to give in, he refused to conform to what his society dictates and expects of him. He was not being argumentative or defensive for the sake of just being a pain to everyone around him (although they saw it that way). He thirsted for knowledge and he would not end his quest for it, regardless of the consequences that awaited him. The end result was his death, he died for his beliefs, but he did not die in vain. That is what he wanted us to know, to learn and to exercise.

 For me, self confidence simply means that I know what I am capable of and what I'm not. For what I am lacking, I will try harder to attain them and for what I already have, as hard as it may be because of the fear of being shunned for voicing out my opinion and standing my ground, I will see to it that I will live by my own codes and principles. It will take time to really use my free will to that of Socrates' or I might not even be able to but I have a better understanding now about Socrates' main point, a better society requires better people and to become better people, it is essential to start with oneself, have the courage to live a life wherein you are not scared to test the waters and still be able to co exist with your fellow men, all these while not hesitating in sharing your perspective, thus not losing your sense of self even when you have that sense of belonging.