GENIUS FORUMS

Does anyone else think Socrates was a tad bit hypocritical? He professed that a true philosopher does not indulge in the pleasures of the physical life, but as we can see by his pictures... he was a little bit 'chubby'. This would suggest he indulged in eating and relaxing.

Most philosophers do not claim to be perfect, but they do have a set of ideals that they attempt to live according to.

From his writings, he seemed to be quite reasonable in thought, which is far more important than if he had a night time vice for sweets.

Many philosophers know the dangers of certain pleasures, but they may succumb anyway. That is just being human. Since we are a bundle of fresh, with cravings, urges and desires, trying to be a perfect god will probably have its ups and down for most. Although, some maybe able to live a near perfect life, but those individuals are rare.

Socrates was incredible in argument, as he addressed the state of Athens during his trial, he was a fearless logical man who understood the the dynamics of the entire kingdom and its citizens better than they understood themselves.

He choose death over a loss of integrity, and submitting to lies, which most people do not have the bravery to do.

the bravest if he was not 70, and older than the average age of death. still brave, though... i don't want to make it sound like it was not a honorable sign.

I think it's foolish to say that a true philosopher does not indulge in the pleasures of life. A true philosopher doesn't really deny himself anything unless he has discovered sound reason to do so. To do otherwise would be to express a religious sort of irrationality.

I've found sound reason to deny myself pleasures, and that is that repeated consumption leads to habituation and increased withdrawal which is a major distraction.

i think pleasure is to be desired. for the most part, ignoring a few exceptions, one can experience pleasure in life without hindering others. pleasure is not being rich, nor is it being well-known, it is simply feeling what is meant to be felt. as you said, any philosopher who denies this is merely lying to their own self, and to others. i just think socrates is maybe regarded too highly considering the circumstances.