Woke like Socrates

Socrates is revered as the father of western philosophy,
and was renowned in his time as the wisest man alive
for the simple reason he was honest enough to admit: “I know nothing!”
Had he stopped there, no-one would remember his name,
but he went further to claim, “and no-one else does either!”

Now, this didn’t sit well with the leading thinkers of his era
from scientists to politicians, philosophers, and even artists
for their reputations and wealth were based on their supposed ability
to understand the nature of reality better than the average citizen
like gods spoon-feeding wisdom to dim-witted children.

Yet, when challenged by Socrates to public debate,
every single last one of them were exposed as charlatans;
his technique was simply to ask question after question,
delving to discover the first principle on which their views were based
thus forcing his opponents to admit their conclusions were mere opinions –
impressive looking castles built on shaky foundations
incapable of withstanding the storm of genuine enquiry.

Thanks to Socrates, we still refer to scientific theories
even though many people are fooled into believing they’re facts!
Eventually trumped-up charges were brought against him
of spreading misinformation and misleading the youth,
and he was sentenced to death for the crime of loving Truth!

Though the powers that be continued to smear his name,
till this day we remember that in Ancient Greece burned a flame
of courage and honesty in a heart untamed,
willing to die rather than accept the hoodwinking of the masses
by narcissists with corrupt agendas hidden behind altruistic faces.

That’s why whenever I’m faced with an important topic or decision,
I make sure to research into all sides of the argument,
and ask questions rather than merely accept the opinions
of so-called experts whose wealth and reputations
are often based on convincing the people that their theories are God’s truth.

Thousands of years have passed since Socrates was murdered,
and we now live in an era where it’s become normal
to silence and de-platform anyone who challenges
the official narrative being broadcast in mainstream media channels
(most of which are controlled by a handful of corporations)
kinda like chopping off your opponent’s hands before a boxing bout.

Of course not everyone who’s been censored or cancelled is correct,
but why not let them say what they have to say,
and trust us to make up our own damned minds?
Talk about condescending to our intelligence!

Only cowards or people who have something to hide are afraid
of open debate where all the evidence can be presented.
Totalitarianism is most effective when it hides in plain sight
by claiming to be a friend who champions your cause;
but all it really wants is power, and like a cancer it spreads,
simply because we the people acquiesce.