Socrates Vs Socrates Similarities - 1577 Words

There is no doubt to the fact that Socrates and Martin Luther King Jr. had similar characteristics—whether it be their willingness to make the public aware or their passion to do what was right to them. But to say that Martin Luther King Jr. is a twentieth century Socrates does not seem fit to par. The way I will attempt for you to understand this will proceed as follows: I will first explain each of our character’s stories, perhaps heavily implicating some of their most distinct characteristics that can be discovered from the text. I will proceed to include their similarities, as well as their differences. Then I will attempt to explain both subjects’ profession/title, and comment on how the two may have similar things they want to†¦show more content†¦290). They both state, in their eloquent speech and text, that they are the harmless gadflies of society, biting on those that need to be awoken. Both men were aware that changes were needed, and both men had similarities in their command of language, allowing people to open their eyes to the realities and conditions in which they lived. King Jr. was clearly concerned with the unity of the country, and was attempting to have people realize why the segregation was bad, and Socrates was concerned with the state of people’s souls. Socrates does nothing but go around â€Å"persuading both young and old among you not to care for your body or your wealth in preference to or as strongly as for the best possible state of your soul† (Apology 30a-30b). Both men were also extremists. Socrates was a man who wanted to do what he believed he was instructed to do by God, while maintaining the idea that if his thoughts rubbed off on others, he was solely responsible. Socrates understood that his beliefs and values were capable of altering, and would alter, societal viewpoints. Just like MLKJ, Socrates understood that their perspective on society had repercussions, but they were so de fined by their morals that it did not matter to them what the consequences would be. Martin Luther King Jr. identified himself as an extremist, but an extremist of love. He was an extremist â€Å"for the cause of justice† (296), and definitely went to the extreme to fight for it. Both men went through similarShow MoreRelatedEssay about Comparison of Socrates and Siddhartha Guatama Buddha 880 Words   |  4 PagesSocrates and Siddhartha Guatama Buddha have many similarities; they both believe in the importance of justice and good, and a simpler way of life. However, they have different goals: Socrates concerns with worldly meanings and codes, he deals with truth and morals. Buddha concerns with attaining the outer-worldly through mastering the worldly. Socrates relinquishes sensual desires in hopes of spiritual rebirth after death and achieving enlightenment in life. 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