Single Idea 9271

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 7. Despair over Philosophy]

Full Idea

Human knowledge is one thing, human well-being another. There is no predetermined harmony between the two. The examined life may not be worth living.

Gist of Idea

Human knowledge may not produce well-being; the examined life may not be worth living

Source

John Gray (Straw Dogs [2002], 1.9)

Book Reference

Gray,John: 'Straw Dogs' [Granta 2002], p.25


A Reaction

John Gray has set himself up as the Eeyore of modern times, but this point may obviously be correct. Presumably Socrates meant that the examined life was better even if the result was less 'well-being'. Even Gray doesn't want a lobotomy.