Socrates: The Story of a Young Seeker | Wisdom Jewelry
At DSF Antique Jewelry, we are passionate about sharing the artistry, symbolism, and history behind the world’s most exquisite jewels. While our focus is often on the brilliance of craftsmanship and the legacy of great designers, we also value timeless wisdom—the kind of wisdom that, like fine jewelry, endures across generations.
There is a story about a brave young man who sought Socrates with the desire to become a scholar. He turned to the great Greek philosopher and said, “Oh, illustrious Socrates, I come to you to gain knowledge.”
In response, Socrates led the young man through the streets to the seashore, where they sank into the water. Then he asked the young man, “Now tell me, what do you want?”
"Knowledge, O wise Socrates," replied the young man with a smile.
Socrates put his hands on the young man's shoulders and pushed him into the water. Thirty seconds later the philosopher lifted his disciple out of the water.
"Tell me one more time, what did you say you wanted?" he asked.
"Wisdom, illustrious and wise Socrates," replied the young man with difficulty breathing.
Socrates pushed him again into the water. Thirty seconds passed, thirty-five, forty, forty-five.... Eventually, Socrates brought him to the surface. Socrates asked him again, "What do you want, young man?"
He struggled to answer. "Wisdom, a wise and wonderful ..." Socrates immediately threw the young man underwater, this time holding him there for almost a minute. When the young man came to the surface longing for oxygen, Socrates asked him, "What do you want?"
"Air!" the young man shouted. "I need air!"
"When you long for wisdom as you long for air, then you will have it," came the unperturbed answer of the wise Socrates.
The Socratic Method
The Socratic method is described in Plato's "Socratic Dialogues." The Socratic method clarified the concepts of Good and Justice.
If you have any problems, break it down into a series of questions and you will find the solution you are looking for in the answers.
This method is designed to help you examine your own beliefs and assess their value.
Wisdom
Socrates believed that wisdom parallels one's ignorance. A person's actions are the result of this level of intelligence and ignorance. He constantly associated "the love of wisdom" with the "art of love."
It is debatable whether he believed that humans could become wise, but it is certain that he drew a clear line between wisdom and ignorance.
Virtue
The great philosopher believed that a person should focus more on personal development than on material things. He encouraged people to develop friendship and love between them.
People possess certain fundamental philosophical or intellectual virtues, and these virtues are the most valuable possessions in the world.
In his view, to act with Goodness and to be truly Good from within are different things, and virtue is closely connected with the Goodness of the soul.
Jewelry With Symbols of Wisdom - The Owl
As the story of the young man seeking wisdom from Socrates teaches us the importance of desiring knowledge with intensity, it also brings to mind how wisdom has been symbolized throughout history.
One of the most ancient and emblematic symbols of wisdom is the owl, a timeless icon found not only in Greek mythology but also in the world of jewelry. This powerful symbol continues to inspire today, appearing in various forms of jewelry that carry deep meaning.
The owl, sacred to the goddess Athena, was revered in ancient Greece as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. Representing clarity of thought and vision, the owl was seen as a protector of those who sought to enrich their minds.
Similarly, in the realm of jewelry, the owl has often been incorporated into antique pieces, continuing to symbolize wisdom and refinement. Whether it’s a delicate necklace with an engraved owl or a ring featuring a gemstone reminiscent of the owl’s keen gaze, owl-inspired jewelry combines beauty with profound symbolism.
These pieces are not just accessories; they are meaningful symbols, reminding us of the ongoing pursuit of knowledge, just as the young man in the story learned from Socrates that true wisdom must be desired above all else. In our collections, these timeless symbols retain their significance, offering wearers not only beauty but also a connection to eternal values.
