The Unexamined Life and Gilgamesh

Introduction

Gilgamesh's journey in the epic can be seen as a transition from an unexamined life to an examined one, mirroring Socrates' assertion about the worth of an examined life. This transformation is marked by his encounters with mortality, friendship, and wisdom, which ultimately lead to his self-realization and change. For Socrates, the examined life is the only life worth living. This is why, when confronted with death, he continues to examine things rather than give in to fear: "That would have been scandalous, and someone might have rightly and justly brought me to court for not acknowledging that gods exist, by disobeying the oracle, fearing death, and thinking I was wise when I wasn't. You see, fearing death, gentlemen, is nothing other than thinking one is wise when one isn't, since it's thinking one knows what one doesn't know (44). For Socrates, it is more important to be honest with oneself and about oneself than to try to put on airs or indulge in self-righteousness. For Socrates, humility is the key step in the process of examination: "I'll obey the god rather than you, and as long as I draw breath and am able, I won't give up practicing philosophy, exhorting you and also showing the way to any of you I ever happen to meet, saying just the sorts of things I'm accustomed to say" (44). This applies substantially to Gilgamesh, for example in Gilgamesh's fear of death after the loss of his friend Enkidu. In Tablet VII, Gilgamesh mourns Enkidu's death and expresses his fear of his own mortality. He believes he understands the nature of life and death, but his fear reveals his lack of true wisdom. Just as Socrates suggests, Gilgamesh's fear of death is a sign of his unexamined life. He believes he knows what death entails, but his understanding is limited and flawed. However, the Epic is about transformation, and the Apology can also be related to Gilgamesh's journey to find Utnapishtim in Tablet IX. Despite the obstacles and discouragements, Gilgamesh persists in his quest for knowledge about immortality. His journey can be seen as a form of practicing philosophy, as he seeks wisdom and understanding about life and death. Thus, Gilgamesh represents a change from lack of examination to embodying the examined life worth living.

What is the Unexamined Life?

Socrates' assertion that "the unexamined life isn't worth living for a human being" is one of his most famous quotes and is central to his philosophical approach. It comes from Plato's "Apology," which is a record of the speech Socrates gave at his trial for corrupting the youth and not believing in the gods of Athens.

The phrase "the unexamined life isn't worth living" encapsulates Socrates' belief in the necessity of self-reflection and introspection. To Socrates, an "unexamined" life is one lived mechanically or without thought, simply going through the motions without questioning or understanding why one is doing what they're doing. It's a life lived without curiosity, without questioning one's beliefs, values, or actions, and without seeking to understand the world around oneself.

In contrast, an "examined" life involves constant questioning and seeking of knowledge. It is a life where one's beliefs, actions, and the world around them are continually scrutinized and evaluated. This process of examination, according to Socrates, leads to wisdom and virtue, and it's this pursuit of wisdom and virtue that gives life its value.

Therefore, when Socrates says that "the unexamined life isn't worth living," he's asserting that a life without self-reflection, without questioning, and without the pursuit of wisdom and virtue is a life without true value or meaning. It is a call to live a life of active, conscious engagement...…an unexamined life to an examined one. After his encounters with mortality, friendship, and the wisdom of Utnapishtim, Gilgamesh returns to Uruk a changed man. He is no longer the tyrant who ruled without regard for his people, nor is he the desperate man seeking immortality. Instead, he becomes a wise and just ruler, embodying the virtues that Socrates associates with an examined life.

This transformation is evident in the final tablet of the epic. Upon his return to Uruk, Gilgamesh takes a survey of the city's walls, marveling at their grandeur. This act is symbolic of his newfound appreciation for human achievements and his responsibilities as a king. He recognizes the value of his people's labor and the importance of his role in ensuring their welfare. This is a stark contrast to the beginning of the epic, where he was indifferent to the suffering of his subjects.

Plus, Gilgamesh's quest for wisdom and understanding does not end with his return to Uruk. He continues to seek knowledge, as evidenced by his decision to record his story on stone tablets. This ongoing pursuit of wisdom aligns with Socrates' philosophy of lifelong learning and self-examination. In essence, Gilgamesh's transformation signifies his acceptance of human mortality and limitations, his recognition of the value of human life and community, and his commitment to wisdom and justice. These changes reflect his transition to an examined life

Conclusion

Gilgamesh's journey in the epic is a transition from an unexamined life to an examined one, mirroring Socrates' assertion about the worth of an examined life. Initially, Gilgamesh lives an unexamined life, characterized by his fear of death and lack of understanding. However, hisjourney to find Utnapishtim and his quest for knowledge represent his transition towards an examined life. This transformation is a testament to the value of self-examination and the pursuit of wisdom.

Works Cited

The Trials of Socrates: Six Classic Texts,…