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Philosophical underpinnings of strength: socratic thinking

Writer's picture: Jordan Van DykJordan Van Dyk

The Greek philosopher Socrates believed that physical health was important but secondary to the health of the soul. He saw the body as a vessel for the mind and soul, emphasizing that true well-being came from wisdom, self-discipline, and virtue. However, he acknowledged that maintaining physical fitness was necessary for carrying out one’s duties effectively. In The Republic (via Plato), he criticized excessive indulgence in bodily pleasures and encouraged moderation, exercise, and a simple diet. He viewed physical health as a means to support intellectual and moral pursuits rather than an end in itself.


socrates with very enhanced muscles
Socrates, with an extra dose of TRT

From Socrates’ perspective, we can learn the value of balance between physical and mental well-being. While modern society often emphasizes physical fitness for appearance or performance, Socrates reminds us that health should serve a greater purpose—enabling us to live wisely and pursue meaningful goals. His emphasis on moderation teaches us to avoid extremes, whether in diet, exercise, or indulgence, fostering a sustainable approach to health. Additionally, his belief that self-discipline leads to a virtuous life suggests that caring for our bodies should not be about vanity but about cultivating strength, resilience, and clarity of mind. By applying Socratic wisdom, we can shift our focus from superficial fitness goals to a more holistic approach—one that integrates physical health with intellectual and ethical growth. This is philosophical strength.


We can apply Socrates’ philosophy on physical health to modern life in several ways:

  1. Prioritizing Health for Higher Purposes – Instead of exercising or dieting solely for aesthetics, we can focus on maintaining our physical well-being to enhance our mental clarity, productivity, and ability to contribute meaningfully to our families, communities, and careers.

  2. Practicing Moderation – Socrates advocated for balance, which can help us navigate modern extremes—such as overindulgence in processed foods or obsessive fitness routines. A moderate approach to nutrition, exercise, and rest leads to sustainable long-term health.

  3. Using Physical Discipline to Cultivate Mental Strength – Regular exercise and healthy habits require self-discipline, which in turn strengthens our willpower and resilience in other areas of life. Whether in business, personal growth, or relationships, developing the habit of taking care of our bodies reinforces our ability to face challenges with patience and perseverance.

  4. Fostering a Mind-Body Connection – Socrates saw the body as a tool for intellectual and moral pursuits. In today’s fast-paced world, practices like mindfulness, self-regulation, and movement (such as strength training) can help us stay present and aligned with our deeper values, rather than being distracted by external pressures.

  5. Shifting from Vanity to Virtue – Instead of measuring health by external standards like social media ideals, we can adopt Socratic wisdom by focusing on inner virtues—discipline, wisdom, and self-mastery. This shift can help us build healthier self-esteem and avoid the trap of chasing unrealistic or superficial fitness goals. Research on the topic of self-regulation suggests that people who can better self-regulate and monitor their emotions tend to succeed more and bounce back from failure quicker, as well as maintaining better emotional health.


By integrating these principles into our daily lives, we can move beyond a purely physical view of health and embrace a more holistic approach—one that nurtures both the body and the mind for a life of purpose and fulfillment.


Ultimately, Socrates viewed his wisdom as limited (though he was known to be "the wisest man to ever live") to mere human wisdom. He believed there was a higher understanding left for God, and that we should always stay humble in our beliefs about our own abilities.


"All I know is that I know nothing." — Socrates

This quote isn't Socrates describing a lack of intelligence he possessed, but rather an attitude toward further learning. For all his knowledge, he is just as remember for his ability to question himself and his students to drive further thinking, as demonstrated by his now-famous Socratic Method.

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