Socrates and Writing

Philosophy and writing may seem disconnected to most. After all, Plato believed that writing would destroy learning. While writing is now an integral part of education, many forget about the man who created modern learning: Socrates.

Socrates is one of the most famous philosphers to have ever lived, and he revolutionized the way people think. He made it the right thing to question everything. Plato made it famous in his dialogues, Euthyphro and Ion, which both star Socrates.

Socrates' method of learning was questioning. Why do you think the way you do? Why do you act the way you do?

That is a very simplistic version of the method, but it has worked so well that it is still how humans (at least in the Western hemisphere) learn about themselves and the world around them today.

Think about how many times you have ever questioned your parents or teachers. It is astonishing how one word, why, and the using of that three-letter, monosyllable word can lead to an infinite amount of discovery.

So what does this have to do with writing?

I always question my characters. Why are you doing this? Honestly, if I cannot find out their motives for what they do, the story withers and dies. It could have been good if the character made any logical sense to me at least.

Even with the seemingly simple things: Why do you play piano? Why do you want a pet monkey? Why did your mother never let you get a mohawk?

Sometimes the answers make me realize why I decided to play piano, why I am fascinated with primates, and why I listen to punk rock.

So, why?