The Duality of Human NAture

Socrates, an ancient Greek philosopher, left us a very important heritage giving knowledge and understanding of the ancient Greek way of thinking that can be applied to modern world. One of the most memorable words of wisdom, "Bad men live that they may eat and drink, whereas good men eat and drink that they may live", shows the duality of human nature.

This saying is a depiction of how people can be divided into two categories by interpretation of their views on life. In thefirst part of the quote what Socrates means by "bad men" is that those men have as their only goal in life to prosper materiality; therefore they only live to accumulate wealth. These people are greedy and ignorant, being "blind" to anything else related to the enrichment of human existence, such as compassion, self-sacrifice, feelings of love and friendship. They are not willing to better their minds and souls, but living just for the moment, never thinking of the implication their actions might have in the future.

Their lives do not consist of tomorrow, but only today. These men wonder aimlessly through the days, taking for granted the full spectrum of opportunities such as exploring the world of knowledge and improving their minds and souls by learning and sharing that knowledge with others. Socrates` value system was critically built not just on doing good but on a commitment to a hierarchy of good.

According to Socrates the purpose of living is not taking something from society, but the opposite. John F. Kennedy says " Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." Great words of wisdom, coming from two different great leaders, even though many centuries separate them they try to deliver the same message. That is what Socrates says in the second part of the quote; the essence of, he thinks, being alive really means. In his eyes, "good men"