Apology
Perhaps the most well-known of all the dialogues of the first great Greek philosopher.
Socrates has been accused of corrupting the youth with bad ideas and bad religion. In this dialogue (written by his most famous student, Plato), Socrates defends himself in court.
He argues that his marketplace conversations were intended to illuminate the path of wisdom and living well. He explains why the gods consider him the wisest, and he endeavors to help his countrymen realize they are not living as wisely as they believe.
By living for practical instead of moral gain, by not contemplating what is best for the soul, and by seeking only what would prolong their lives, rather than what is just, they failed to act wisely.
Socrates argues that the gods considered him the wisest because he realized he was not. And that human wisdom is not sufficient for living well.
A high school student (10th grade +) can read this dialogue in one or two sittings. This dialogue can be read more than once, enjoyably and helpfully.
Socrates was the first great Greek philosopher. He pursued wisdom, endeavored to answer life’s big questions, and showed others how to live wisely. His most famous pupil, Plato, recorded his final days in dialogues such as Euthyphro, Apology, and Crito.
God’s Blueprint for the Good Life
Educator and life coach Dr. Joe Henriques shares how to become a happy person. He also shares what to do in hard times.
Euthyphro
Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle (the three great Greek philosophers of antiquity) investigated life’s big questions: What is real? (Metaphysics) How do we know what we know? (Epistemology) And how should we live? (Ethics)
They believed in the objectivity of truth and sought to understand how to live the good life.
In The Dialogues, Plato, Socrates’ student, recorded Socrates’ thinking and beliefs. They are quite entertaining and thought-provoking, and they increase understanding of ideas through intensive questioning, which became known as Socratic questioning.
One dialogue is titled Euthyphro. In it, Socrates and his friend Euthyphro strike up a conversation (while on their way to court) about the nature of piety (i.e., holiness or the good). Socrates asked what it is and how it relates to justice.
After much back and forth, Socrates asked a famous question, known as Euthyphro’s dilemma: Do the gods love something because it is good, or is something good because the gods love it?
The question deals with the nature of God and what it means to live the good life.
I recommend the translation by Benjamin Jowett. (A high school student can read it in one hour. Skip the introduction.)
Finally, while thought-provoking, the dilemma is false. These Christian philosophers explain why:
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Leadership Gold
“Leadership is influence,” says John Maxwell. Many people think leadership begins only after you graduate, get a good job, and earn a title like “manager.” But that’s not true. Leadership can start right now. If you are influencing someone, you are already leading.
This kind of leadership is possible in middle school and high school. When I was a high schooler, I grew as a leader through roles like class president, team captain in soccer and basketball, performer in school plays, and competitor in academic and talent events. But leadership wasn’t just about titles or awards. It also showed up in everyday life—how I acted in class, in the hallways, at home, and with friends. The way I treated and influenced others mattered just as much, if not more.
So how can a high school student grow as a leader with the help of a coach or mentor? One helpful resource is John Maxwell’s book Leadership Gold. This book shares 26 simple and practical principles about leadership, including:
- Leading by serving
- Growing intentionally
- Working well with others
You don’t have to wait until you’re older to start learning these lessons. I wish I had known them sooner, and I hope your student-leader can start using them today to reach their full potential.
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Life coach and educator Dr. Joe Henriques shares how he knew it was time.
This video is for young people preparing to enter the workforce, and is part of a job and vocation series.
The Silver Trumpet
The story provides a memorable image of evil’s corrupting influence on people, love, and relationships, and the need, reality, transforming power, and external nature of redemption.
Story elements include a prince, twin princesses, a dwarf, a castle, frogs, a silver trumpet, and chivalry.
The pattern of events, plot, and meaning make this story enjoyable for young and old alike.
Published in 1924 by one of C.S. Lewis’ literary friends.
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A guide for students. Life coach and educator Dr. Joe Henriques shares how to get promoted and move up in an organization or business.
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