Socrates Didn't Have a Terms of Service

The phrase "Know Thyself" was inscribed at the entrance to the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, where people came to receive prophecy. The placement is significant: before you can receive divine insight, you must first reckon with who is doing the asking. Socrates took it as his life's mission, famously declaring that the unexamined life is not worth living.

Today the world looks much different. Ads drone from every glass surface. Aching thumbs scrolling and tapping through emails that strongly suggest we download an app. Apps for schools, apps for offices, apps for shopping and shipping. Agree to the Terms of Service quickly, and please accept the default settings without a second thought.