World Cultures

          The most enjoyable part of the BIC program has been the insight, structure, and historical context of World Cultures. On paper, it appears to be just an ordinary history class but it is much more enriching and insightful. The readings we did were not only enjoyable, but reflective of the culture and helped us gain a different perspective of the time period, area, and people. Studying history in high school, is like when you look at a painting and memorize its colors, brush strokes, characters, and etc. If someone was to ask you what color hair the largest figure had you could easily recite the answer. However, the interdisciplinary concept of Word Cultures dives into the reason and logic behind the painting. Why the artist painted the sky amber? What time period was this picture painted in and why? How come the faces are more somber? World Cultures asks these kinds of questions about history and gives meaning behind facts. 

           Similarly, this trip has given me deeper understanding of history by diving beyond analysis and experiencing the culture. The notion of education has evolved for me with the BIC and during this study abroad program. The greatest joy I have found is connecting my readings or analysis to the tangible evidence. The painting is more significant with deeper comprehension, but it comes to life when you actually touch it. Being in Turkey and Greece is making everything I've learned more real to me. We read several ancient Greek texts by Homer, Aesychlus, Plato, and Aristotle and it's been inspiring visualizing what they envisioned in their writing, actually seeing what they would have seen, and putting yourself almost literally in their shoes. 

           The themes and values they convey in each text not only arise in the culture, but even the art, architecture, and government. It reminds me of a baby growing into an adult then into and elderly person. History is the autobiography of a country.  When the baby is born it has certain distinctive traits and characteristics. Then it starts to grow and learn and his/her views start to change. Maybe a dramatic incident will happen or a neighboring kid will influence him/her. His/her frame of mind keeps evolving and so does his/her character. The way they dress changes from one trend to the next and even their values may fluctuate as they realize what is truly important in life. 

           To elaborate, we can use ancient Greek history as a reference because it not only was a thriving culture but a foundation to Western Civilization. During Greece's infant through adolescent years is considered the Archaic period. This was the time of Achilles and Odysseus that we have read about in Homer's epic poems. There existed several city states, but not a whole nation of Greece. However, they still all considered themselves Greek and had a common language and religion that united them against enemies. We observed that this period made free-standing sculptures that were stiff, egyptian influenced, and had interesting smiles. Art can be an interesting reflection of the societal mindset of that time period. A lot of the tour guides insist that Greece was doing well, so the statues were smiling.

           The next period is called the Classical period, which I would classify as a person's twenties. This is an exemplary time for both human history and cultural. The beginning is usually marked by the overthrow of the Athenian tyrant and transition into democracy. The people exercised more freedom politically and it was also demonstrated in their studies and art. The Parthenon is a iconic image of Greek flourishing combining intellect with grandeur. Philosophers began to seek the greatest good and truth in order to enrich their souls and live a happier life. Imagine a person that has just left their home and under the "rule" of their parents to enter university. It's an exciting time of discovery about themselves and the world around them. 

           Afterwards, we see the hellenistic period come about after the conquests of Alexander the Great. When we went to Pella, where Alexander and his father, Phillip II were born, we could the shift from city life to the more elaborate, luxurious homes. I already went into great detail about that in the previous blog so we will just skip over that. Basically, a person's thirties people have great stability and enjoy life comfortably. 

           Then mid-life crisis hits, the Romans take over and we saw this in the structures such as Pergamon in Turkey with the emperor worship of Trajan. The olympic gods are slowly falling into decline and Christians are persecuted. In order to maintain their power over the people, emperors had to exalt themselves as gods.  The new Christian God threatened their authority during this time.

           This goes into another great topic; how religion influences society and shapes history. If we look at Islamic practices in Turkey, we can infer a great deal about their culture. They are very pious and worship five times a day to Allah, the one true God. The Quran has many of the same biblical stories Christians and Jews are accustomed to but their religious views differ significantly. They believe that Jesus Christ is a holy prophet and the only sinless man. However, they do not believe he is the son of God and is divine. Actually, Muslims believe that no one can be divine except for God (Allah). That is why they reject icons and symbols in the mosque. Instead, they use arabic writing to create beautiful pictures. Visiting the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, you can see the use of symmetry and flower patterns they use to decorate every inch of the area. 

           Everything, we have learned in class and from reading has been cemented within this study abroad program. The connections I have made about history, art, architecture, and literature is truly unique to this type of studying. 

Why I Love Food

          I think everyone on this trip has witnessed my capacity to eat. I weigh a good 70 pounds less than Benjamin and I still eat more than him. It's not that I'm a never-ending pit that is using food as a comfort or necessity. I actually really truly enjoy food and eating for its own sake. As Plato would say I love it for what it is and not the benefits and pleasure it gives me.

           What is neat about being in another country is experiencing the cuisine; the different spices, the cooking techniques, the serving styles, and the presentation. By tasting what each country has to offer, you are gaining valuable insight into their culture and lifestyle. 

           In Turkey, I noticed that we were always served in a family style, where several plates are placed on the table for everyone to share communal. This demonstrates the fellowship they share with one another. As I have mentioned before, the Turks are very hospitable and helpful to not only to the native people but to tourists. They find great pleasure in having tourist enjoy the land and everything it has to offer. Sharing food is just another way of extending their hospitality. The sentiment, "what is mine is yours," is very prevalent in Turkish traditions. 

           In Greece, food is generally served individually but the dishes are much heavier than the Turkish food. It contains more carbohydrates like rice, pastas, and pita. A typical dish I would have could contain both potatoes and rice in addition to a large portion of meat. This differs from the Turkish meals that were lighter like small kofte (meatballs), fish, kebabs, and vegetables. The meat served was always in such a small portion to the entire meal. My hypothesis about the Greek cuisine and its more filling dishes (often 3 filling dishes in one sitting) is because the Greeks like many Europeans utilize meal time as leisure time. They take their time and go through each course slowly because they want to enjoy each other's company and the food they are eating.

           This can be contrasted to the American view of eating as necessity and almost a burden. Where can we get the quickest meal? Why is the service so slow? Are common American sentiments towards to restaurant industry. In Europe, eating is a pleasure and a type of social hour. In Thessaloniki, we ran into three to four times more coffee shops than fast food restaurants. That is because gathering for a meal or drink with friends and family is enjoyable. Every dish is savored and every piece of conversation is amusing. 

           For both cultures and in others, gathering at the table is a time for bonding and unity. The Last Supper is a iconic Christian symbol of fellowship. Asian tradition and even the Turks gather for tea frequently. In ancient Greek cultures, showing hospitality would require a great feast and discussion about their journey and history. All these have a common theme of friendship being developed and enhanced by the dining table. 

           Something about sharing a meal and taking the time to sit and converse with each other is lost in American culture. We never take the time to really enjoy each other's company and what food has to offer. True camaraderie is lost and is replaced by superficial relationships through social networks and technology. Why can't we just sit down with one another and talk. 

Improvements for the Program

          Traveling on the west coast of Turkey, exploring Athens, seeing the sites of the peloponnesian, visiting the wonderful islands of Greece, and venturing to northern Greece has been wonderful. The amazing views, historical areas, insightful museums, and awe-inspiring religious buildings have made this trip unforgettable. Being able to tangibly connect my education with what we have seen is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. However, there are some things I would change about the course in order to enhance future students' experiences. 

           Firstly, I would make the amount of work, touring, and break time more proportional. Condensing several ancient sites, intensive readings, ten page final paper, reflective blogging, and commenting on other's blogs is quite overwhelming in the short four weeks we have. I understand that we were given the syllabus in advanced in order to prepare for the trip and possibly get ahead. However, most of the requirements of the course except for the readings cannot be completed before the trip. Blogging is based on the daily excursions we take and the connections we find with it to the readings. Commenting is only available if the other students have blogs up. Then the paper is a reflective paper on your overall meditation of the journey. All these things must be done on a daily basis more or less, but the schedule of touring and class time we engage in make it difficult to accomplish all these things in one day. Especially when we were in Turkey, we would visit three or four different archaeological sites that lasted from 8am to 7pm. Being out in the hot blazing sun and trying to actively listen to the information the tour guide was so exhausting that by the end of the day I would just want to pass out. We would have long bus rides in-between locations that would theoretically give us more time to get work done, but often my classmates and I would get car sick or would be sleep deprived from the night before desperately trying to catch up on journals. Listening to the guides, going on the bus and immediately doing journals means being alert and attentive for 12 hours in a row which is impossible. 

           Therefore, if the workload is to maintain the same amount of intensity the free time and rest days should be increased to balance out the entire trip. If sacrificing more guided tours and sight-seeing is not viable then perhaps make the overall trip longer. Let's do five weeks instead of four and allocate those extra 7 days evenly throughout the trip. This would not only give students more time to rest and create quality journals, but would produce a calmer more enjoyable atmosphere for everyone. Students could be more active in the tours, more lively in discussion, and more focused on their readings. The set up of the program now is like trying to fit twelve clowns in a tiny clown car; everyone fighting for room, uncomfortable, and irritable. If we lengthen the trip its like if the clowns are able to leave the car and enter the arena; happier, freer, and therefore funnier and entertaining. 

           I know it's difficult financial to increase the length of the trip, so I might suggest lessening the overall classwork. That sounds drastic and like i'm a lazy student, but hear me out. Participation I understand cannot just give you a good grade. Showing up to class is something everyone can do. But consider the amount of time the trip is requiring us to go to class, 4-8 hours depending on the day (that is including the bus ride discussions and such). The amount of information that we receive is like having five three hour level classes in one day at Baylor. However, at home in Waco we at least have weekends free to spend time on our work and we usually only have 2 or 3 classes in one day. Journals are a great tool for the professors to tangibly see the amount of consideration a student is putting forth in the trip, but what about how they express themselves in discussion or on the tours. Maybe the participation should count for more or at least the discussions if they are thoughtful and reflective should be more significant in the final grade. 

           Another reason I would either lengthen the trip to ensure adequate time for studying and rest or lessen the academic requirements is because it will give the students a chance to really fulfill the purpose of studying abroad, which is to experience the culture. The tour guides give us great facts and history about each location and the country overall, but to be blunt, I can read about that in books. I'd rather go out around the city and see things for myself and make my own analysis of the people, the land, its values and views of the world. What's the point of being in a great city filled with a rich heritage and new experiences if we are constantly stuck in our hotel room writing journals or recouping from long tour days. I feel like I have learned the most from going out and talking to the locals and imitating their style of life. "When in Rome do as the Romans do," am I right? The best way to understand different cultures is to live it and to feel it. I have comprehended so much more about Turkish and Greek lifestyle by going out and discoursing with locals. One night we spoke with a Turkish man about his view of Americans and how our lifestyle is so different from theirs. He explained that Europeans are much more liberal and they do not understand why Americans quarrel about matters such as abortion and gay rights. Their lifestyle is relaxed and less confrontational because they do not want to interfere into someone else's affairs like they do not want someone interfering in theirs. This casual mindset can attribute to the way they handle business like some of the stores I visited in Turkey where the cash register was the owners own wallet and then if he didn't have enough change he would run next door and borrow some from the other store. This could also be why they eat so late or why they are so friendly with one another and quick to help each other. All from this one conversation I was able to gain understanding of how and why the Turks think the way they do. 

           That is what I would like to see this program emphasize more than anything else. I hope that future students are able to enjoy all the amazing ancient sites that the tour guides have to offer, soak in the information they are receiving, reflect on their readings and connections with the sites, be well rested to do all these things, and above all have time to explore on their own and figure out things for themselves. 

Pella

          Although I was disappointed that the archaeological site of Pella, the ancient capital of Macedonia, was closed the museum was fascinating and gave me many insights into the transition of different lifestyles and perceptions throughout history.

           King Aracelaus founded Pella and later King Phillip II and Alexander the Great ruled from this great city. It attracted many Greek artists such as Zeuxis and Euripedes. We actually got to view the mosaics that Zeuxis created in the luxurious homes of Dionysus and Helen. 

           We notice the transition from the modest city homes in Athens to the more luxurious houses in Pella. In earlier times, it was dishonorable to not participate in the city state whether it is voting or being on the jury. In Pella, we see people wanting to move away from the political life and retreat to extravagantly decorated homes. It was actually looked down upon to have these larger houses because one should be dedicated their time, money, and effort into the state and not themselves. One was considered useless and an "idiot" if they didn't fulfill their political duties. 

           In addition, discussion and fellowship moved from the public agoras to the private symposiums or drinking parties. A person's house was the new forum for debate and fellowship. Whereas there used to be a separation of public and private, agora and house, it is now merging into one. This also brought women closer to the action. Although, they technically were not allowed to listen to the conversations and participant in the symposium, it was still brought into their arena- the home. Actually, women in Sparta exercised much more freedom than other Greek women. Most Greek women remained in the house and that is why in paintings their skin is very pale. Spartan women were allowed to go out in public and interact with men and women around town. 

           Another transition I discovered was found within the coins. Coins used to feature the patron god or goddess and their tradition symbol. For example, in Athens, Athena was featured with an owl or olive branch. However, coins soon gave tribute to the emperors instead. This also parallels with the temples we have seen in Pergamon; the shift from Olympic gods to emperor worship. The temple dedicated to the emperor Trajan that sits above the temples for both Zeus and Athena is an example of the progression of devotion. 

Greek Orthodoxy (Monasteries, St. Paul's Alter, and Basilicas)

          Large metropolitan cities, amazing beaches, and remote mountain villages are mostly our destinations, but Meteora had it's own beauty and mystique. The Greek word literally means "suspended rock," which is an accurate portrayal of the landscape with it's rocks extended towards the sky. The monasteries are built on top of these large pinnacles and monks would use a pulley system with nets to hoist themselves up. However now there are long winding staircases. 

           The first monastery we visited was named after the ascetic monk named Barlaam who climbed the rock and built three churches in dedication to the Three Hierarchs; Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom. No one followed him up there, so after his death the site was abandoned and fell into ruin until Theophanes and Nektarios Asparades found it again. They erected the ruins and dedicated the monastery to All Saints. 

           The inside of the monastery was covered in bright, colorful frescoes that literally left no space unpainted and depicted scenes of redemption and martyrdom from the new testament. Many ancient worshippers could not read the bible so these murals would serve as testimonies of perseverance, visual representation of faith, and aids to reflection. By viewing the Saints and their sacrifices, a person is able to draw inspiration and encouragement. Our tour guide explained that the Greek Orthodox pray to the Saints, not as gods but as a median to God. The Saints bring them closer to the divine as sort of messengers and role models. 

           Icons, artistic depictions of Christ, the Virgin Mary and the Saints, covered the walls inside both the monasteries and the basilica. I noticed a woman in the basilica kissing each of the icons reverently. She was not worshipping idols, but becoming one with the figure in the icon. That is why they are always flat and two-dimensional because when you look at them or kiss them, you become the third dimension. Some believe that the icons are flat because humans do not understand the world of the divine spirits and cannot comprehend it using our five senses. This is very different from the Roman Catholics style of worship where they employ statues that are life-like and three dimensional. However, they still are not worshipped but used as visual aids and decorations. 

           Symbolism in the art and the depiction of the Saints was very evident in the frescoes, mosaics, and other icons. A recurring theme was the color symbolism; gold represents the kingdom of God, blue is the human life, and red is the divine life. Jesus is always painted wearing a red undergarment and a blue outer garment which conveys his descent from the divine into mortal form. The Virgin Mary has the opposite set of garments and illustrates her birth into mortality and her descent to divinity. I found this motif in all three sites we saw; the Meteora Monasteries, St. Paul's alter, and St. Demetrius basilica. 

           The Saints were also depicted in an idealized way with their ears and eyes big showing their reception of Christ's words and their beauty masked because their souls were far surpassing physical attraction. The saints were always painted on the lower parts of the walls, which connect more with the humans worshipping. It demonstrates that they are the link between this world and the divine. The face of Jesus Christ is always on the top part of the dome, which is a visual representation of Him in heaven. The basilica had an interesting representation of the angels almost lifting up the dome of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. 

           The basilica of St. Demetrius was built on the site of his martyrdom where he was speared to death. The Virgin Mary is depicted with the baby Jesus in her arms in the pews with glowing amber windows that gave the whole building a sacred glow. In the Orthodox Church, Mary is always shown higher than the Saints because although she was also human she was blessed and sacrificed her body to bring Jesus Christ into our world. She is a physical manifestation of the divine and mortal world connecting. The basilica interestingly was also the site of some Roman Baths that we got to explore. 

           I also noticed a fountain that looked similar to the ablutions we saw in Turkey. The idea of cleansing and purification seem to be prevalent in all religions. In Islamic faith one must take off their shoes and cleanse their hands, feet, and face before entering the mosque. Christians believe in baptism as a liberation from sin that separates us from God or a declaration of a person's belief and faith in Christ. Jews do a ritual washing which include washing the hands, feet or even total immersion intended to restore or maintain a state of ritual purity. The ancient greeks that worshipped the Olympic gods were also insistent on being cleansed. In Oresteia, for example, Apollo cleanses Orestes of his mother's blood he shed. Many could not enter sanctuaries of the gods if they were not cleansed. That is why criminals and such were not allowed to enter. Also, pregnant women (because if they had a miscarriage) and those who were approaching death could not walk the sacred path of Apollo's sanctuary because they would dishonor the sacred area with death. 

           Although I noticed a lot of similarities between all the religions and especially between the Greek Orthodox and Roman Catholicism. I couldn't help but contrast it with the style of worship I'm used too. I'm not an avid church attendee but I do like to accompany my brother to his non-denominational church in Austin. It's much more relaxed than traditional churches where people from nice dresses to jeans and sandals show up and have fellowship with one another. It's an amazing time for reflection and celebration about our relationship with Jesus Christ. This seems to be very different from the reverent style of worship found in the Catholic or Orthodox Church. My perception is that some focus on the original sin and the need for repentance. Whereas most of the Christian worship I have experienced is more uplifting and praises humans as God's children and made in his image. Also, protestants seem to engage in more musical worship which is not seen in orthodoxy. Regardless, both styles of worship glorify God either in beautiful artistic paintings, frescoes, or music. 

Delphi

          Delphi Museum was so interesting because I was able to make some interesting connections and insights about Greek culture throughout history. 

           It was fascinating to see the parallel between the different movements throughout the century. We noticed the transition in art in the sculptures from more idealistic and smiling faces to realistic and unemotional faces. This mirrors the philosophical movement that Dr. Shultz mentioned that taught temperance and control. In Plato's Republic, we have discussed the virtues; wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice. The emphasis of controlled emotion within the sculptures shows the Greek ideal of mastery of certain sorts of pleasures and appetites. 

           An additional parallel that the tour guide pointed out was between the theatre and politics. Play writers were able to express their creativity through dramatic comedies and tragedies. Sometimes they conveyed important themes like justice in Aeschylus' Oresteia. New plays were showcased in the theatre of Dionysus and competed for top prizes. The protagonist of each performance reflected the freedom of a democratic voter during this time. He is allowed to make choices, but has to deal with his decisions and the gods help guide him throughout the process. Voters, like the main character, especially in Athens, exercise a lot of freedom in the political system. 

           Another interesting motif I discovered was the universal depiction of snakes being evil and harmful. Apollo had to kill the Phython that protected the center of the earth in Delphi so that he could build his sanctuary there. This is also symbolic of the new worship of the Olympian gods over the old deities such as mother earth. At this sanctuary, the archaeologists included artifacts from the byzantine era that showed a cross triumphantly on top of a snake. In the bible, the snake is depicted as a deceptive creature that tricks Adam and Eve into eating from the Tree of Knowledge. 

           About the site itself, I found the discovery of the toxic gases that rose from the ground underneath the temple itself making the priestesses high riveting . Even the water that they drank was contaminated with poison! They would fast for days before they entered the temple for long hours in order to prepare themselves, but you would think that would give them a hunch that something weird was going on within the temple. Our tour guide said that one time a man forced one of the woman to go in and tell him his prophecy but she had not yet fasted so she passed away. Greek worship was really intense and their beliefs were so strong that they would sacrifice their own children (Agamemnon sacrificing Iphegenia). So maybe it isn't so crazy that they would really think the the god of prophesy, Apollo, was really speaking through them. 

           The amount of influence that these women had over the city was also quite amazing. Usually women maintained the house and raised the children. There place was in the home and away from public affairs and decisions. However, the priestesses of Apollo could control the choices the men made by their prophesies. It reminds me of the movie, "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," when the mother explains that a man is the head and the women is the neck that can turn the head any way she wants.

The sanctuary of Apollo was an interesting panhellenic site where Greek city states would demonstrate their wealth and influence. Athens, for example, had an elaborate treasury house that depicted their prestige and honor. After any astounding victory they would make sacrifices to the gods and bring trophies to showcase in their treasury. It's like the Baylor Panhellenic building at Baylor where every sorority has their own room that is decorated in beautiful pictures of past classes, achievement plaques, and important artifacts. 

           Another way the Greeks showed off their superiority over another was in the Pythian Games. The Olympic Games are held in such high regard that we sometimes forget about the many other athletic events that occurred. In modern day, no one every keeps up with the world championships in track and field or the national championship, but when the Olympics come around everyone is all on the track bandwagon. The Pythian Games were a precursor to the Olympics. The victors were presented with a laurel crown cut from a tree symbolical representing the slaying of the Python. What made these games different was that it hosted musical competitions because Apollo was also the god of music. 

           Not only do these games unite the several Greek city states, but so do their common religion and language. Dr. Henry pointed out that whenever another Greek nation conquered another they would still respect the temples that were already establish. Many say that is why the Greeks were punished after the Trojan war because they looted the temple of Apollo. 

Assignment 13

          Although Socrates and Jesus lived in two different eras and one preached Christianity and the other philosophy, they share a lot of the same values, lifestyles, and teaching skills. Referencing Matthew in the New Testament about Jesus' crucifixion and Plato's Apology, which is about Socrates' defense in his trial, we can recognize similarities between the two "teachers."

           Both state that there is no reason to fear death, but for different reasons. The Bible explains, "An fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul (Matthew 16.26)," which states that you should not fear earthly harm, but spiritual which only God can inflict. Christianity believes that earthly possessions and suffering is only in this life, but then you are rewarded with eternal salvation. Socrates states, "A good man cannot be harmed in either life or death, and that his affairs are not neglected by the gods," which basically says the same thing except he did not believe in eternal salvation. Instead, he believed that fearing the gods are more important and vital than fearing humans.

           Also, Socrates explains that he does not fear death because he does not actually know what death entails, so how can he be afraid of the unknown? He says, "To fear death, gentlemen, is no other than to think oneself wise when one is not, to think one knows what one does not know." Socrates acknowledges the limits of human wisdom and does not claim to know what he does not. Actually, he believes himself to be wise because he recognizes his lack of knowledge. Jesus also warns people of speaking "idle words" because they will be judged later. This actually reminds me of how recently one man claimed that the rapture was coming and when he didn't he looked like a complete idiot. In the bible specifically it states that no man knows the day, but only God. I think Socrates could agree with this sentiment that humans do not know as much as they claim. 

           There lifestyles also mimicked each other like forgiveness and rejection of wealth. Although persecuted and ridiculed, both never took revenge or were bitter  towards their prosecutors. Socrates states, "Men of Athens, I am grateful and I am your friend but I will obey the god rather than you, and as long as I draw breath and am able, I shall not cease to practice philosophy, to exhort you and in my usual way to point out to any one of you whom I happen to meet." Both of them preached and taught for their love of humanity and for a higher purpose. Those accusing them of wrong wanted them to beg for mercy, but they refused and held themselves to a higher standard. Socrates says, "I was convicted because I lacked not words but boldness and shamelessness and the willingness to say to you what you would most gladly have heard from me, lamentations and tears and my saying and doing many things that I saw are unworthy of me but that you are accustomed to hear from others." Jesus also was taunted by bystanders asking him why he doesn't save himself if he is the Son of God and etc. 

           Socrates explains though that although he is unique, there will be more followers of his philosophy and they will continue to question society until justice is administered and the good is discovered. Several Christians were converted after the resurrection of Christ and his Apostles scattered around the world to preach his teachings. Socrates says, "You are wrong if you believe that by killing people you will prevent anyone from reproaching you for not living the right way." 

           The way that Socrates and Jesus taught was also quite similar. They both spoke in parables. Jesus says, "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: for this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at nay time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them." Socrates also faced closed minded people that would not listen to him speak. He gave insightful analogies about the minds of humans and conduct of society. However, the largest difference in their teachings is that Jesus knows the answer and is preaching it. Whereas Socrates is seeking the answer and those he asks fail him. Socrates proves them wrong through facts, reason, and analogies but Jesus simply states what is the Truth.