Hemlock

I remember studying about Socrates in 10th grade. My teacher described him as a rational, intellectual, and compassionate. I didn't agree. I wasn't too impressed with a man who merely got high, walked around, and spouted off random thoughts. I'm even more disenchanted with Socrates now that I'm forced to endure his "Socratic Method" on a daily basis.

Here's the jist of the Socratic Method.

Greek Student: Hi, I have a question.
Socrates: What is your question?
Greek Student: Is there a heaven?
Socrates: That is the question, isn't it?
Greek Student: Yes, it is.
Socrates: Is it?
Greek Student: Yes.
Socrates: Why is it the question?
Greek Student: Umm, because I asked you. So is there a heaven or not?
Socrates: Wait here while I go have sex with little boys.

Okay, perhaps that's not entirely accurate. In law school land, the Socratic method refers to a reliance on the students to educate the rest of the class. Volunteers are appreciated, but most teachers call on people at random. For most, it's unsettling and nerve racking.

My torts professor, Ms. Bowermaster, called my name at the beginning on Monday's class. On the plus side, she did pronounce it correctly. Our "conversation," which consisted of a back and forth question and answer session about relevant cases, rules, and hypotheticals, took 47 minutes. The highlight came early, however. I had missed the previous day, and she opened with a question regarding the material covered in that particular class.

Professor: "Mr. Barone, what are the three types of consent?"
Crap. I didn't know. I fumbled through my notes. She noticed my hesitancy.
Professor: "Consent. Remember, from last class? Here, ask me a question."

I was confused.

Me: Wait, what. What kind of question?
Professor: "Any question asking for my consent."
Me: "Can you call on someone else?"

The class erupted in laughter. Everyone told me it was because they thought the comment was hillarious. Ms. Bowermaster even commented that it was the type of response that my peers would talk about years after finishing law school. I first assumed that's a good thing, although now I wonder; people could be laughing about the "dumb guy in that one class" who asked the teacher to call on someone else.

'Cause I can't stand up and I can't fall down...

It took me ten days to write this. That might give you a faint idea of how well I did.

In actuality, I didn't do too poorly. I passed, perhaps not with flying colors, but a pass nonetheless. And considering I put in very little work all semester (outside of the last three weeks), I should be rather proud of my grades. But I'm not.

I wanted to be the best, and instead, I now have to wait to prove it until next semester's exams. The last set of tests have served as a "kick in the pants" and I hope to use them as motivation for future success. That means more briefing, outlining, and weekends in the library. Not exacty something I'm looking forward to, but I feel it's something that must be done if I want to truly see how great I can be.

There are a few more isses I'd like to discuss, but I'll have to save those for another entry because my professor is starting to talk about substantive material.