Socrates' bold statement that "The unexamined life is not worth living" has fascinated many. What is outstanding about him is that he called a spade a spade, he doesn't mince words. He doesn't say that the unexamined life is "less meaningful than it could be" or "one of many possible responses to human existence" just simply and clearly that it's not even worth living.
Why does he make such strong and unequivocal statement? Socrates believed that the purpose of human life is one of personal and spiritual growth. We are unable to grow beyond greater understanding of our true nature unless we take time to examine and reflect upon our life. Deeper contemplation yields understanding of our subconscious mind under the iceberg. Unless we are aware of our hidden nature, much of our life is unconscious repetition. It's a radical necessity to start contemplating on our life and to Socrates, that is what really matters.
"He who does not remember the past is condemned to repeat it." - Santayana
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