1) The unexamined life is not worth living. In other words, it is undignified, not really honorable, simply to live from day to day without ever asking oneself "What am I doing here? Why am I living as I am?" To be truly and completely human, Socrates thought, each man and woman must subject his or her life and convictions to the test of critical self-examination. What is more, my means of this process of self-examination, one can achieve genuine happiness.
2) There really are valid principles of thought and action that must be followed if we are to live good lives - if we are to be, at the same time, genuinely happy and genuinely good. These principles are objective - they are true for all men and women, whenever and wherever they may live. Some people are unjust, self-indulgent, obsessed with worthless goals, estranged from their fellow men and women, confused and blind about what is truly important. These people do not know that certain things are beneath notice, unimportant. They are terrified of shadows, incapable of living or dying with grace. Such people need to find the truth and live in accordance with it.
3) The truth lies within each of us, not in the stars, nor in tradition, or in religious books, or in the opinions of the masses. Each of us has within, however hidden, the true principles of thinking and acting. In the end, therefore, no one can teach anyone else the truth about life. If that truth were not within you, you would never find it; but it is within you, and only relentless critical self-examination will reveal it to you.
4) Although no one can teach anyone else about the fundamental principles of right action and clear thinking, some people-call them teachers, philosophers, godforsaken ask questions that prod men and women to begin the task of . These teachers may also be able to guide the process, at least in its early stages, because they have been over the same ground themselves and know where the pitfalls are.
