Greek original · Philosophy
Ὁ δὲ ἀνεξέταστος βίος οὐ βιωτὸς ἀνθρώπῳ
Ho de anexetastos bios ou biōtos anthrōpō
“The unexamined life is not worth living for a human being.”
Socrates in Plato, Apology 38a
Meaning
What does “Ho de anexetastos bios ou biōtos anthrōpō” mean?
A good life requires reflection: questioning your beliefs, choices and values instead of simply drifting.
Origin
The story behind it
Socrates says this at his trial in 399 BC, explaining why he cannot stop questioning people even to save his life.
Greek and Latin
From Greek to Latin
The Greek originalὉ δὲ ἀνεξέταστος βίος οὐ βιωτὸς ἀνθρώπῳ
Ho de anexetastos bios ou biōtos anthrōpō
In Latin
There is no classic Latin version; the idea is close to the Delphic nosce te ipsum.
Pronunciation
How to say it
Roughly ho deh an-ek-SEH-tas-tos BEE-os oo bee-oh-TOS an-THROH-poh.
When to use it
How to use it today
A thought-provoking line for journals, philosophy classes and reflective gifts.
- Greek
- Ὁ δὲ ἀνεξέταστος βίος οὐ βιωτὸς ἀνθρώπῳ
- Transliteration
- Ho de anexetastos bios ou biōtos anthrōpō
- English
- The unexamined life is not worth living for a human being.
- Source
- Socrates in Plato, Apology 38a
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