The contention underlying the opening chapter of Alain de Botton's The Consolations of Unpopularity is that the status quo can be something quite separate from "correct". An opinion of itself is validated by critical inquiry and debate, characterised as Socratic method. Via this method of resolving two disparate opinions, a dialectic is formed which in time will offer insights into the weaker foundations of one of the previously held assumptions in contrast to the other. The chapter posits that a mix of logic and questions hold the power to catalyse change in individuals and society.
Much like falsifiability, the virtue which characterises the scientific method, all assumptions of logic are open to having their foundations tested. Famous examples, such a Galileo, symbolise the ability for a perspective to be proved correct via the Socratic method.
However, in employing the biography of Socrates to illustrate the worth of his eponymous method, the injustice that led to the ancient Greek philosopher's death demonstrates the tragedy of the status quo consensus. This point is reinforced by the opportunity Socrates faced to salvage himself from a death sentence, instead committing himself to the truth.
Popularity is something quite apart from being "correct" or virtuous. Sometimes deep down we know this, however we psychologically take greater comfort from safety in numbers than exposing a known truth. The results of Socrates' trial demonstrate that on many occasions, what is correct or virtuous may not necessarily be vindicated.
The prolific employment of Socrates' death as the subject matter in notable art pieces throughout the centuries demonstrates the transience of what is "correct" and virtuous over time. That which is considered moral is malleable. Slavery was considered morally acceptable enough to be commonplace in the societies of Ancient Greece and America prior to the Emancipation Proclamation, as it still is many regions of the world today, though values change as their logic is challenged.
That which is the status quo should continually be questioned. De Bono even highlights how on some matters, questioning of that assumption is taboo, whether it be a social system, cultural value, or method of conducting a daily task.
Perhaps Socrates believed history would prove him correct, as could also be said of Jesus, and many others throughout time whose ideas have proved too advanced for the societies in which they lived. Like Menos and his generals however, even today, the elite require a mindfulness and ability to question their logic. We live in a time of greater technological advancement and economic wealth than at any time in history, yet require a wisdom alongside that technology, and a respect for both the environment which supports that economic growth as well as the social equality of that wealth. As Socrates' jury demonstrated, sometimes we arrive at the contention of an assumption with our own prejudices, though we hold them so deeply out of comfort or fear of alienation to recognise a truth of logic.
Even passively, in identification to the narrative arc of fictional characters, are we able to identify with the perspectives of another. Whether via literature, television, film or theatre can we play the silent participant to a dialectic being performed before us.
The quote I found to be the most illuminating and thought-provoking was de Bono's remark about searching for a glass of Nesquik at the Met, particularly served in a glass, in contrast to a carton or bottle. Though still unsure of its relevance, I like to imagine de Bono was demonstrating the cultural disparity between a mass-produced, chocolate-flavoured milk beverage in the midst of high art. Perhaps he was drawing an allegory between Socrates' consumption of hemlock and the Nesquik. Perhaps the beverage is meant to symbolise the mainstream status quo of US corporate culture and the controversial practices of its ubiquitous Swiss multinational manufacturer.
I find this personally very resonant, as Nesquik stands out as representative of my very first encounter with visiting the USA, on my first trip abroad as a 15-year-old. The first thing I ate or drank in that country, a purchase from a 7-Eleven convenience store in Anaheim, the beverage has continued to symbolise to me all the unspoken and normalised corruption, as well as a mindfulness that characterises American society. An intangible sense of the nutritional, environmental and ethical questionability of the product in comparison to Australian flavoured milk offers insight.
However, I'm still unsure as to why de Bono sought the Nesquik specifically in a glass. Perhaps he was just challenging the status quo.