Matt Self
9/10/06
First Test Essay

The Unexamined Life


Living without examining one’s life is analogous to driving at night without the lights on. I can’t see where I am going or if I need to correct something. Similarly, I can’t begin moving closer to God if I am unable to see the path to get Him. The examen helps me make sure that I am moving toward God and continuously building my relationship with Him. Without reviewing my day and my actions, I retain the inability to learn from my mistakes, and I will then continue to make them. Many stories and lessons found in daily life help illustrate the importance of the examen.

An important idea was displayed in the course through the story of Icarus and Daedelus. The idea of hubris and becoming so arrogant that it inevitably leads to recklessness clearly demonstrates the importance of keeping oneself in check. If I don’t look at my actions, then I will have a great downfall just as Icarus did because of overexcitement. As I concentrate less on myself, I should focus more on others and what they have to say.

“The Blind Men and the Elephant” explains the necessity for seeing others’ opinions beside my own. I will stay blind unless I open my eyes and ears and then try listen to what people have to say. Listening to opinions that contradict mine requires patience, but this patience can be acquired after realizing the necessity of hearing all viewpoints. Seeing all sides of something helps lead me to the truth. My eyes and ears will be opened when I learn to embrace the examen of consciousness.

Another applicable story is Plato’s “allegory of the cave” which tells me that true happiness will be found when I start to move toward truth and God. Also, it explains the difficulty in choosing what is right and living up to that choice all my life. In the end, however, I will be pleased with reality and truth after leaving ignorance. The path to truth will be hardships, but I hope to discover more fulfillment at the end of the journey. Again, without examining my actions and choices, I can’t be sure if I am moving toward God.

I have yet to begin examining my life on a regular basis and in turn, have yet to find happiness. Disappointment in myself follows every time after I repeat a mistake that I had hoped to learn from. I fully believe that a strong relationship with God cannot be achieved unless I examine my choices and actions. Always asking “How could I act be better?” leads me to the cause of my faults and hopefully, to real learning. Without a doubt, the unexamined life is not worth living.

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