Cindy, I agree that there are not many people that admit that they do not know something. However, there are many extremely intelligent people that like to psychologically control their environments and this fact alone causes me to wonder. It makes me wonder whether Socrates was an example of wisdom or was he controlling his environment through the destruction of all ideas, which could be considered a disorder. It would not be hard for a person of high intelligence to mentally break other peoples ideas on life and it would not be far fetched to say that this was done purposefully. I mean think about it, modern psychologists are trained to dissect and re-direct thoughts of people. If Socrates were in the higher ranks of intelligence of his day then this would actually be quite a simple task for him, especially given that the content of discussion had no logical boundaries such as mathematics. What about the obsessive-compulsive behavior that accompanied his meetings, walking out of the house naked because he was overwhelmed by his “need” for discussion?
In reply to the selflessness, there is a biblical reference that states,” You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” I think that this gives one of the best descriptions of selflessness that can be described in such a short summary. This is basically stating that we have the duty to treat others with the same love and care that we need and would like to be treated. If I am hungry I make sure that I am fed, and in the same sense I make sure my ‘neighbor’ is not hungry and take it one step further to make sure they will not be hungry in the future. Great concept! But, I have to agree that we are far from being there. However, it does not mean that we would have no use for this class if we all did agree, because there is still the possibility of living in a harmonious environment and following the concept of agreeing to disagree. This would place us in an environment where growth was still possible while peace was present. I know it’s a stretch, but we cannot deny its possibility. To take the whole idea one-step further…. I will venture out on a limb and throw out the idea that that hate crimes, war, etc. are necessary for the existence of selflessness.