Jerry and Socrates have many similarities. A major similarity is the fact that the have both been main characters in writings�Jerry in his book Seinlanguage, and Socrates in Plato�s many writings. It is difficult to tell whether the character in the writing is the same as the character in reality as they both come across the same. Both Jerry and Socrates come across as the Socratic simile of �gadflies�. Jerry provokes his friends and his television audience by bringing to mind subjects that they would not normally give much thought. Similarly, Socrates spent his days in the marketplace of Athens trying to bring important subjects to the attention of the citizens. They both manage to make something considerable out of seemingly obvious questions or unimportant subject matter. One of their more common similarities is their willingness to use irony and sarcasm. Socrates seems to be ironic when he claims to know nothing even when he seems to possess great knowledge and insight. He also comes off as sarcastic when he asks the accusers at his trial for free meals at public expense as his punishment even though he was serious. Jerry is very ironic when, in response to Kramer�s schemes, he responds by saying �that�ll work,� or �that�s nice.� They have both made people look foolish by not detecting their irony. These similarities make an easy comparison of the two.
Jerry and Socrates also have some differences, though they are few. The major difference between the two would be the way in which they examine life. Socrates takes a very serious intellectual and philosophical approach. He asks questions about human excellence and saw it as his divine command to rouse Athens into action. Jerry, on the other hand, takes a much more laid back and comedic approach. He asks jovial questions like: Is soup a meal? and What are the rules for breaking up over the phone? The other important difference is how they feel about their own knowledge. Socrates is very humble and his wisdom is shown by the fact that he acknowledges that he knows nothing. Jerry has a much higher opinion of his own level of knowledge as he acts very smug in his stand-up routines and he clearly thinks that he is better than his friends. These big differences are what help to balance out their common points and their credibility as philosophers.
Jerry Seinfeld and Socrates have a great deal in common. Despite their huge differences in time period, location, and style, they both seem to have a very similar impact on their audiences. They both have their devoted followers and they both have their radical critics. These two characters make for quite an interesting comparison, especially for someone who is trying to follow their examples and examine life.
