Understanding Reactions of Characters to Mistakes
Compare Augustine’s evaluation of his own conduct with that offered by Socrates in the Apology and the complete lack of self-criticism or evaluation by Achilles in The Iliad (except in Book XXIV). How are these characters alike and different in the appraisal of their own behavior? What accounts for these differences?
Augustine plays a great role on how the modern foundations of Christianity are specifically being recognized at present. Considerably, based on his writings such as that of the ‘City of God’, Augustine notes his role as someone that has become specifically involved in his work as a person and as an individual who is willing to share who he is with people he specifically wants to influence. While Augustine tries to establish his reputation in his writings, he does not fail to represent weak points that are important to give attention to in relation to how people are supposed to recognize his reputation in relation to the philosophies on religion and faith that he was ready to share to the people.
On the other hand, Socrates recognizes his weaknesses accordingly especially when it comes to determining the way he is able to influence others through his thoughts and writings. However, unlike Augustine, he does not necessarily say ‘sorry’ in his writings. Although he recognizes his mistakes or perhaps his weaknesses, he tends to defend them instead of saying that he actually is disappointed with himself. He intends to make sure that the way he points out about these mistakes does not get in the way of defining how his followers understand and accept his philosophies. In one way or another, it could be realized that what Socrates was after was to help his followers determine the fact that everyone makes mistakes and that everyone has their own weaknesses. Nevertheless, these elements of weaknesses need not make the followers change the way they see the value of each philosophical understanding he intends to share with them.
On the other hand, the character of Achilles in the story Iliad takes a more distinct indication on how mistakes are accepted and worked out with. Achilles had impulsive decisions often affecting others. Working towards the without necessarily saying ‘sorry’ or admitting that he has made something wrong is an attitude that Achilles represented. Notably, such behavior is represented in a way that he tried to correct his mistakes through taking immediate action rather than caring to justify himself to others who were watching him or observing his actions. He specifically believed that going about the option of justifying his actions or explaining why he has done the things that he has done would only make him lose time and energy that he needs to be able relinquish his reputation and his position in the society.
Considerably, people have different views about making mistakes and accepting the wrong things that they have incurred in their lives. In this discussion, Augustine, Socrates and Achilles all were noted to have been able to recognize their mistakes accordingly, however, all the three characters have responded to the matter differently. While Augustine was vocal about his mistakes, he did not desire to justify himself which is a different approach compared to what Socrates has undergone. Meanwhile, Achilles had a different way of dealing with the matter as well especially that he chose neither to speak of his mistakes nor to make justifications regarding it. Instead, he chose to act upon them accordingly in his own terms, in a way that he thinks would work for his best benefit and that of the people surrounding him.
