Man: I, believe that I cannot be happy without material wealth. I need lots of money to meet all my needs.
Socrates: I do not contend the fact that money is important..as a matter of fact I do concur that money is extremely crucial. My only argument is whether this money is really the only thing that can make you happy. Can you find joy in any other thing a part from money?
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Man: Maybe. When I have a good wife, beautiful children and a stable career…but all these require money. In fact, I do not think ….
Socrates: Give me an opportunity to convince you that happiness is the ethical knowledge of how a person is supposed to live. I do not think you will disagree with them in the opinion that happiness can be achieved through human effort (Pursuit-of-Happiness, 2013)..
Man: Of course…when wealth cannot be achieved without any effort. One has to work for it.
Socrates: I see your perspective, which is not exactly what I implied but…
Man: What did you mean then?
Socrates: You see, every individual has a certain degree of control over one’s desires. Therefore, finding harmony between these desires and one’s soul causes a sense of inner peace. This tranquility cannot be affected or marred by any external factors.
Man: Mmmmhh..interesting. Can other external bodies also play a role in one’s happiness?
Socrates: Yes..Governing regimes and governments should adopt principles that promote the well-being of the citizens.
Man: Do you mean to say that governments should ensure that each and every citizen is morally upright?
Socrates: Well…of course this is almost impossible. However, in my understanding, government is obliged to ensure and fight for the common good and well being of its citizens. This should by far surpass its intent to dominate and rule over them.
Man: But then why be moral in a world where immoral people seem to carry the day? Won’t satisfying my desires make me happy?
Socrates: It is human to want to fulfill your desires and to get all that life can provide. If you fall sick, however, will this wealth be by your side each and every day? Will it be there to console you and give you hope of recovery?
Man: No
Socrates: Yes, what makes us happy is dedicating our lives for the service of others. Forgetting our desires and thinking about the well-being of others.
Man: Does that mean you would be ready to die for what you believe in?
Socrates: I shall face my death with cheerfulness and equanimity. Death does not scare me (Wilson, 2007). It is you and like minded people that are afraid that I speak the truth.
Man: I think I understand exactly what you are implying.
Socrates: Do you think you perspective is starting to change?
Man: To some extent yes. Correct me if I am wrong…
Socrates: OK. Go ahead…
Man: Happiness does not stem from one’s earthly possessions..
Socrates: True..
Man: Instead, it is derived from having a sense of direction in life…a sense of achievement.
Socrates: Precisely.
Man: I like your approach in presenting your arguments..
Socrates: Yes, my Socratic Methods are meant to enable you find the answers for yourself through a series of questions that make you question your stand (Gorman, 2005).
- Gorman, R. (2005). The Socratic Methods in the Dialogues of Cicero. Munich:Franz Steiner
Verlag. - Pursuit-of-Happiness (2013). The Pursuit of Happiness.
- Wison, E. (2007). How Socrates Died. London: Profile Books Ltd.
