“The unexamined life is not worth living.” — Socrates

There are many things out there to love, like the inherent beauty in things. The wonder of science. The divinity of religion. The complexity of the human mind. All of them philosophical pursuits.

Then what is philosophy? In the literal translation, it means "The love of wisdom". In practical terms, it's about applying natural curiosity into rational understanding, and to continually evolve and repeat that process.

The context of the Socrates quote above was in response for the offence of corrupting the youth (and piety) at his trial, after which he was sentenced to death. Even facing finality, he upheld his integrity making clear that even though he would be put to death, the truth should and would always be sought out. He also questioned the effectiveness of the Athenian version of democracy. An interesting take away there is he believed democracy let the unqualified rule. One might question the qualifications of our powerful world leaders today, and if they are driven by pleasure or virtue.

Mostly, the questions pondered by philosophers related to that of the human condition. What is fairness? What does the best version of me look like?

So lets ask ourselves, if I never examined why I do what I do, or why things are the way they are, and if those things are just, then what have I understood at all? If Socrates died for his right to enact that, then the moral for us is simple: embrace questioning, reflection, learning, and apply it to your character. The truth depends on it.