Socrates. . .

Socrates (circa 469—399 BCE) was a classical Greek philosopher and is considered one the founders of Western logic and philosophy. He established an ethical system based on human reason rather than theological doctrine. He maintained that the more we come to know ourselves, the greater will be our ability to reason and make choices that lead to true happiness. He is known to us mostly through the writings of his students, particularly Plato. When the political climate of Greece turned, Socrates was sentenced to death by hemlock poisoning in 399 BCE. He accepted this judgment rather than fleeing into exile.

Quotations from Socrates:

“Beware the barrenness of a busy life.”

 “He is richest who is content with the least, for contentment is the wealth of nature.”

And here is Socrates expressing what Korean Zen master Seung Sahn call “Don’t-Know Mind,” a practice I love to write about:

“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”