Interview someone — a friend, another blogger, your mother, the mailman — and write a post based on their responses.

Today, we have an extraordinary, unique opportunity to meet one of the most famous philosophers. I call this gathering extraordinary because it is outside the realm of possibility, as surely would call our society’s present norm. But since we are here to exchange ideas, opinions, imaginations, desired realities, and future visions, I suggest we dive into this fantastic interview I’ve made with Socrates and Aristotle.

Me: Mr. Socrates, after observing from hereafter the progress of society and human beings for thousands of years in all different areas of life, like inventions in technology, research and development in medicine, exploration of new continents, and proximity and fusion of cultures and all in all the modernization of the world; Would you still say confidently your famous quote: „I know that I know nothing.”  And deny possessing any knowledge.

Socrates: Indeed, with interest, I observed the advancement of society and man. I was surprised about the velocity of the movement, especially in the 20th century, and how much the world and its citizens have grown, especially more developed countries in richness. On the other hand, I’ve noticed that all these achievements have also brought an enormous gap between countries, nations, and even people of the same nationality. So, I’m wondering if someone can say with certainty that the world has expanded and evolved in the best way. Does society use all gained knowledge for the good and better?

Me: Thank you, Mr. Socrates. As usual, you leave us with more questions than answers. But what a surprise! I see Mr. Aristotle next to us. Could you tell us your opinion about the world’s evolution?

 Aristotle: Well, of course, I was proud, especially about the scientific developments during the 19^th and 20^th centuries. But very soon, I got disappointed after witnessing the wars, hunger, death, and devastation of nature. A long time ago, I said that all men desire knowledge, but first of all, man must know himself; that is where wisdom starts. Unfortunately, this didn’t happen; all this huge knowledge has overrun the humans, and they stopped being critical and evaluating what they believe in. They easily accept what they see and hear as truth. One of the severe consequences is that humans have lost their happiness, but as I already said many thousands of years ago: „Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life and the whole aim and end of human existence.”

Me: What would you recommend and teach to the next generation?

Aristotle: I would say that „intelligence consists not only in the knowledge but also in the skill to apply the knowledge into practice.” And I would emphasize that „happiness is a quality of the soul, not a function of one’s material circumstances. “ So, I recommend the roots of education to be revalued with a focus on the human heart.

Me: Thank Mr. Socrates and Mr. Aristotle very much. I wish you a happy, long afterlife.