What were the main concepts of Socrates teaching?

One endearing thing about Socrates is that he realized that he knew nothing. The fact that he was aware of his own ignorance made him wise. Socrates used philosophy to help discover how we should live in order to be happy and fulfilled. To better understand Socrates, you should begin by examining the three major concepts in Socrates teachings.

Socrates felt that life is not worth living unless you examine your life to know whom you are, what you believe, and what you want to become. To know yourself should be a major undertaking in your life. If a person is happy simply to exist, then what is the point of life?

Secondly, Socrates felt it was imperative to care for your soul. He believed that the soul is who you really are. It is your character; the real you. Intelligence is based on the condition of your soul because it is the basis for your decisions, values, and viewpoint. Therefore, if you are not constantly learning and gaining wisdom, your soul will not be healthy. Socrates felt that introspection was the way to a healthy soul, and that many people never realized their true potential.

Lastly, Socrates taught that a truly good person is incapable of being harmed by others. He did not mean this in the physical way, but in a spiritual way. If your core, or soul, is good, then physical things will not change it. We can change our soul ourselves if we change our beliefs or values, but outward forces cannot.