Such a lifestyle is unrealistic and one that is not plausible for most members of society. Instead, what is necessary is a life where one acquires the social and emotional skills necessary to allow one to recognize what is morally right and then to live one's life in accordance with such recognition. This process does not require a constant introspective vigilance like the one that Socrates proposes. Most men are not philosophers like Socrates and are busy with their day-to-day lives. They do not have the time or inclination to spend their days contemplating their existence. As long as they live a good life, their lives are no less meaningful. In the end, Socrates would likely agree.
The importance of Socrates' statement is that he remained true to his beliefs to the very end. He had spent his life questioning everything including those in authority and, in the process, he learned that very few of his fellow Athenians gave much thought about life issues and, instead, simply accepted what others said and did. In doing so, Socrates believed that most people wasted their lives. In the course of his trial, Socrates has occasion to use several dialogs that illustrate his points. In Euthyphro, Socrates discusses what is piety? Such discussion is important in that one of the charges against him at trial is his alleged impiety....
Unfortunately, for Socrates, however, is the fact that no one, and especially his accusers, has any concept of what constitutes piety. Through the dialog with Euthyphro, Socrates attempts to enlighten his accusers but, needless to say, he is unsuccessful. Similarly, through his dialog with Crito, Socrates provides insight into how a good life is governed by control of one's feelings and emotions and, although escaping from prison as Crito suggests may result in extending his life, Socrates believes that doing so would mean his repudiating the beliefs that have governed his life.
For Socrates it was questioning that made it possible for one to understand the world around him and to allow an individual to attain true happiness and contentment. He never attempted to persuade others to adopt his beliefs, but rather he encouraged them to base their own beliefs on their own self-examinations which he believed would result in their forming solid beliefs of their own. This was the purpose behind his stating that "The unexamined life is not worth living." In the end Socrates could likely have saved himself from being put to death but he lived true to his convictions and, in doing so, solidified the significance of his teachings and beliefs and demonstrated that his examined life was worth living.
Socrates' Apology
