Socrates Virtue

“That virtue does not come from wealth, but that wealth, and every other good thing which men have, whether in public or in private, comes from a virtue” to attempt to interpret this quote from Socrates we must first look at what is a virtue. A virtue is defined as a behavior showing high moral standards. In this quote he claims that a virtue or high moral standards doesn't come from worldly things but rather possessing high morals or virtue results in wealth and every other good thing which men have.

I personally agree with the first portion of this quote in the fact that wealth and worldly things alone do not result in a person having qualities of virtue. However, the second part of this quote is far from factual. There are many individuals who rise to success without any sound moral beliefs. As

well as, there are many people who have incredible moral attributes that will never step into the the world of wealth.

While Socrates is on trial he says to the Athenians “Be sure that if you put me to death, who am what I have told you that I am, you will do yourselves more harm than me.” I think he says this as a plea for his life as well as he realizes he has much to offer the world and he cannot give the world the knowledge if he's dead.

I think a majority of deaths are a tragedy and we as humans don't reserve the right to take other peoples life even when we feel dignified to. I also agree with Socrates that by killing him they would do more harm to themselves than they would do to Socrates.

Socrates goes on to compare himself to a gadfly, when he does this he is to the state like a fly to a sluggish horse. In the way that when a fly continually bothers the horse it becomes aroused and is forced to do something about it. In my life my cousin is my own personal gadfly that when something needs to be done she makes sure that it gets done before I can focus my attention to something else.

One modern day gadfly to society is Steven Colbert. On his show, The Colbert Report, he continually forces people to question their political views by probing at particular holes in

beliefs.
I absolutely think Socrates views are relevant today we can make many comparisons between modern day United states and the Athens. In our society wealth, fame, and prestige have become so much more valued than wisdom or truth. Our morals continue to decline and improvement of the soul has been placed on the back burner and replaced with many world things.
In modern America the pinnacle of success is not being the smartest, kindest, or most wise but rather the richest, prettiest, most famous. The new American dream we see has shifted to more interest in pop culture in the aspects of money and fame than it has ever before. Most of the individuals that have so called made it, have had very poor ethics promoting sex, drugs, and violence. Very few people who are successful by the new social norm for what we consider success are encouraging people to improve their souls.
For my values personally I hold a high value on material things which is problematic within these views. However, I am not willing to sacrifice my other core values in order to obtain the things I would like. I often find my self seeking knowledge, truth, and constantly trying to purify my soul to seek the right things to do in all circumstances.