Life

A Philosophical Vision: Socrates – "The Unexamined Life…"

We can pick at and debate about Socrates true meaning of his quote, “The unexamined life is not worth living”, for days, weeks or even maybe months.

I have always been a complex individual always pealing labels off the front cover of anything that has come my way just to try and dig deeper than what is on the surface of the meaning. I mean, what is Socrates meaning with examining our lives and how are others comprehending the statement?

 In my views, you need a balance of examining your life and just living. Sometimes when I see Socrates quote, I wonder, how much examining of life do we need to do before it’s actually worth living?
If you are too caught up examining your life, you could be living life in caution where you really aren’t living your life fully. If you keep living in the caution zone, what are you really getting done in life to hit your satisfactory status? This is a point I took to disagree Socrates quote.
 Here’s a more common outlook. What about the brain damaged or the mentally disabled? Would you think they are examining their lives at all? Are they even able too? What is going on in their minds? I guess it also depends on the level of retardation or brain damage one has as well, because even if it is on a minor level, these individuals do have the capability of examining their lives and learn as they go as well.
Just don’t forget about those who can barely function on a day to day basis though; don’t forget the ones who aren’t able to become potty training and need help feeding or change of their diapers. Just because they don’t have the capacity of examining their life, is it right for us as humans to kill them off because their lives are simply not worth living?
Just like the majority of the population, Robert Garzon, brought up the broader definition of Socrates’ quote. Basically the most popular debate is if we don’t examine our lives, we are just going to repeat history and our past and we can’t improve as individuals, as human beings. I do see that side of the debate very clearly and I also agree on that end. I have caught myself examining my life from time to time, especially when déjà vu comes into play.

Bottom line, humans need think of the bigger picture when defining a meaning of a quote and not just themselves. Don’t forget those who aren’t mentally able to examine their life. If you are able to examine, don’t over examine your life, for you are only living life in the “safe” zone. Don’t be afraid to make more mistakes to learn from. Fulfill your life to the fullest.

Work Cited

         “Socrates, The Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living”, Robert Garzon, <http://www.consciousearth.us/socrates-unexamined-life.html>. 2012

(Originally written in August 2012)

Won’t Knock Me Down (Poetry)

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Say anything you want,
Not even sticks and stones can slow me down.
I’ll keep moving forward,
Even with broken bones.
Keep doubting my struggles and my progression.
It’ll only motivate me, fuel me,
Until more opportunities opens the windows and doors.
I haven’t made it to the top yet,
So I got to keep climbing these steps.
One by one, got to keep that in mind.
Until I see the sun shine through me and reveals my golden heart.
Keep the eyes on the prize.
These artificial lights and imprisoned fort,
Will no longer subdue me.
I formed freedom to roam the seven seas with this mentality.
Survival of the fittest is this,
This movement doesn’t include an elevator or an escalator.
If you are expecting a free ride,
You can just jump off,
This movement is a latter, not a slide.
Mama said, “Life won’t always be fair.”
So I got to keep God in my prayers.
You won’t knock me down, for I am David, and hatred is Goliath.
I will conquer, before I drown on strange tides of words.
You won’t knock me down,
I’ve become my own pilot,
Flying above the clouds in the skies, the stars are my compass.
Words spill out of my wounds,
Like a raging white river, the letters flow.
Turning negatives into positives with the pen I have surfaced.
You don’t like what you see?
Not my problem, only your insecurities.
2014 © H.M. Gautsch

Harlot (Poetry)

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Work over play.

Work over romance.
That’s my life, it’s my only chance.
I guess I am a harlot in the game of love.
No sex needed, just my wicked tongue is enough.
All it takes is one or two dates,
And they keep coming like it’s a cattle call.
Someday I’ll get it all right.
Until then, my heart remains uptight.
I fear of being to mummified with my PTSD,
I can’t even say, “I love you”
to the ones that are close to me.
I guess I successfully raised my heart from my sleeve.
It’ll take more than a week to let it proceed.
I guess it’s just meant to be, so let me be.
It is what it is I guess,
But I’d rather speak the truth than sugar coat the shit.
I got to follow my heart, the chemistry.
I’d rather be a best friend, not a queen.
Strong minded as I reveal a flaw,
I’d rather work for my own grind,
And not just be handed over gift and trips.
It’s my dreams and my opportunities I need to find,
Even if it’s on my own.
I need a companionship, not a money bind.
I’m taking the high road,
Even though people like to take my name into dirt.
Characters reveal themselves,
And you’re revealing you’re just another toad.
I know what I want,
If this poem is too high of a standard,
So be it, find someone else to pander.

If I Were A Pirate (Poetry)

If I were a pirate,
How would I live?
First and foremost,
I’d act as if,
I was Captain Jack Sparrow’s kin. 

Sounds like big boots to fill,
But I think I could fit.
With my charming looks,
I’d escape close call arrests.
Let’s not forget, my clever wits. 

If I were a pirate,
How would I live?
Similar to Kenny Chesney,
Claiming my own island,
Far away from the crowded cities. 

I’d still hold pride with my gypsy soul,
Without feeling trapped in closing walls.
I’d live in wide open spaces,
Embracing my Epicurean freedom,
As I journey the world on my own Black Pearl. 

If I were a pirate,
How would I live?
Instead of hiding a stash of rum,
I’d keep secret my own treasures,
That prevents me from becoming succumb.

©H.M. Gautsch

Nature’s Morning Song (Poetry)


The cool breeze,

Enhances this new feeling,

In my soul.

The sun rays enter,

In my body,

Warmth’s my heart.

The robins & cardinals,

Sings the verses in harmony.

The toads & frogs,

Battle for the choruses’ melody.

The dying storm,

In the far distant,

Gives the creation its beat.

The freshly young sun,

Dances while it rises,

From the Far East.

A new day has begun,

With a love-filled sky.

As one of nature’s morning song,

Gives us a vision for our minds.

©H.M. Gautsch