16.2 Growing Pains

Socrates’ eldest son was Lamprocles, whom we meet in Xenophon’s dialogues. The boy is upset with his mother. Socrates asks questions of him to help him see the many benefits he has received from his mother. “Children are indebted to their parents for giving them life, letting them behold and partake of all the blessings that the gods bestow on humans.” He notes that “We evidently seek out women who will bear us the best children, and it is they whom we marry to raise a family.” He points out the sacrifices Lamprocles’ mother has made to bring him to life, and then to educate him. “But even if she has done this and much more,” the boy complains, “who could bear her scolding?” Socrates patiently reminds the boy that his mother has put up with his crying and whining throughout his life, and nursed him through his sicknesses. She scolds him in order to improve his character. He owes undying gratitude to his mother. Here, for once, we get a glimpse of Socrates the patient father who uses questions to teach his son, while focusing on the good qualities of his wife and his children’s mother. We see him as considerate of his wife in a way few men of his time were likely to be, and sharing in the upbringing of his young children. <a href="https://medium.com/the-first-philosophers/16-2-growing-pains-10ad6f7c113d">Click Here</a>