Socrates – The Greek Warrior

Socrates was very popular throughout Greece for his intellectual discussions and theories. He reasoned his thoughts mostly by engaging in a ‘question’ and ‘answer’ session. He did not write a single book about his philosophical beliefs. It was Plato, his closest disciple who popularized his profound thoughts and theories to the world. In attire the Greek philosopher looked poor, but he had enough resources to be in the company of the affluent. Surprisingly, apart from engaging in intellectual discussions, the favorite diversion for Socrates was ‘window shopping’. He strolled in the marketplaces every day to see whether he could find any indispensable product which he should possess. But he always returned home winning over his desires.

Shopping was a favorite jaunt since ancient times, common among all cultures. Modern technology has revolutionized it with the online mode. Any person can access numerous products online and purchase the items of his choice, and avail home delivery. Whether in the ancient past, or in the modern present, one trait is common; which is the feverish ‘desire’ to possess. We try to justify our needs while shopping, even though sometimes at heart we are aware that we are not doing the right thing.

The Researchers at Melbourne University have advocated its classification as a psychological disorder called ‘oniomania’ or ‘compulsive shopping disorder’. It has been found that the habit of compulsive buying leads to a psychological disorder. The remedy suggested by the experts is to resort to ‘Window Shopping’, which could give all the comforts of shopping without the expense of time and money. Window-shopping might be a great therapy suggested by the researchers to save time and money, but it cannot be considered as a permanent cure for oniomania. One needs to understand its root cause. It is necessary to discover an antidote for this psychological disorder; which can penetrate unto its roots and cure the desire deep inside. Long ago, Socrates the Greek Philosopher who lived between 469-399 BC had understood the root cause of this disorder and cured it with his proved Q&A therapy.

One day, Socrates while strolling through the marketplace of Athens saw a huge tent newly established by a travelling Merchant. With enthusiasm, Socrates entered the shopping tent hoping that he might at last find a worthy item to possess. Once inside, Socrates observed that it was no ordinary store. There were huge number of artifacts. There were colorful embroidered textiles for women, knifes in different shapes with artfully crafted handles, variety of footwear for both sexes, rare Persian carpets, and numerous varieties of knick-knacks; all of which was a feast to the eyes. The Owner of the vast establishment who came to know about Socrates, assigned one of his best salesmen to assist him. Socrates walked patiently observing each and every item inquiring the salesman about its specialty. Then after a few hours he left empty handed. The Merchant observed with disappointment that Socrates did not purchase a single item.

In the next few days, the hypermarket became a very popular destination to all who lived in Athens. Once again Socrates visited the now most spoken happening place of Athens. The Merchant saw Socrates coming into his bazaar, but this time the Merchant introduced his Son to Socrates and assured the famous Greek that he would satisfy him with minute details and worthiness of the items in a better manner than his salesman. But even on that day Socrates left without buying a single item. The Merchant was unhappy with his Son and blamed him for losing such a resourceful customer.

After a few weeks, the Merchant satisfied with the business he accomplished at Athens, decided to move to another city. On the last day, there was a mad rush and it was mostly the ones who already visited, and there was Socrates too. This time the Merchant decided that he himself should accompany Socrates, and he determined to offer an attractive discount on the slightest indication of intertest in the stubborn Greek. With great enthusiasm the Merchant narrated the origin and specialty of each and every item. After considerable time, Socrates thanked him and informed that he was leaving.

At that point of time, the Merchant stepped in and inquired Socrates if had any specific item of interest, so that the Merchant could procure it for him, and bring it in his next trip to Athens. Socrates replied that he was extremely pleased with the items offered by the Merchant, and that there were all great. He confessed that; in fact, he was attracted to almost all the articles the moment he saw them and developed the unquenchable desire to possess them. But he preferred to return home and question himself that night and contemplate whether it was necessary to possess such thing. Socrates smiled and continued stating that he consistently tested the intensity of the ‘want’ in him to possess objects whenever he was attracted; by posing a simple question to himself, “Can’t I survive and go on with my life peacefully without possessing this object?”, and after being convinced that he could, he would easily lose his desire, and slip into an undisturbed sleep. Socrates declared to the awestruck Merchant that he did not come across anything in this world until then, that could disturb his peace of mind if he did not possess it.

Socrates waged war against his desires and successfully vanquished them!