The unexamined life is not worth living

One of the problems of modern society is its denial of metaphysics – which involves thinking beyond the material world, in that it involves questioning the assumptions and beliefs that underpin our worldview, much like Socrates’ emphasis on self-examination.

As the Scholar & theologian Hamza Yusuf penned:

Metaphysics is also the science of abstraction: the attempt to grasp the nature of things in their immaterial and universal essences. (The physical sciences, in this way, have a metaphysical dimension in that their universal laws are statements about essence abstracted from particular instances.)

Metaphysics aims to understand first principles, including those of causation itself, its nature, scope, and limits. This invariably means it investigates the contents of our minds, including our presuppositions (all that we assume or take for granted), how it is that we perceive the world, and the effects of those presuppositions on our active life, which are left unexamined by most people—hence, Socrates’ famous dictum, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”1

Metaphysics aims to understand first principles, including those of causation itself, its nature, scope, and limits. This invariably means it investigates the contents of our minds, including our presuppositions (all that we assume or take for granted), how it is that we perceive the world, and the effects of those presuppositions on our active life, which are left unexamined by most people—hence, Socrates’ famous dictum, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”1

In today’s fast-paced world, where we are constantly bombarded with distractions and demands on our time, it can be challenging to find the space and time for self-examination.

In today’s fast-paced world, where we are constantly bombarded with distractions and demands on our time, it can be challenging to find the space and time for self-examination.

However, taking the time to reflect on our lives, beliefs, experiences and deeds is inevitable as reminded by the second caliph of Islam Umar Bin Al Khattab : “Hold yourselves accountable before you are held accountable and evaluate yourselves before you are evaluated, for the Reckoning will be easier upon you tomorrow if you hold yourselves accountable today.”

Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom – Aristotle

What are the assumptions and beliefs that underpin your worldview? How might they be limiting your ability to grow and learn?