What Does A Viral Meme About Toilets Have To Do With The Father Of Western Philosophy?

Gen Alpha is online. 

And the under thirteen-year-olds are obsessed with animated heads that live in toilets. 

“Skibidi Toilet” has become one of the biggest online trends, racking up over 15.7 billion views on TikTok. 

The subversive 70-part series — about a war between toilet monsters and an army of mechanical men with screens for heads — is causing more than a little pearl-clutching from concerned parents. 

So, what’s that got to do with the Father of Western Philosophy?

Well, in 399 BCE, Socrates was accused of the same thing that Skibidi Toliet’s creator, Alexey Gerasimov, is charged with today: corrupting the youth. 

You see, ancient Athenians weren’t too happy with Socrates’ ideas challenging the norms of his time — 

much like people’s unease at how Skibidi Toilet is disrupting the internet status quo with its unconventional themes and absurd imagery. 

Of course, whether the toilet-themed meme can go on to shape civilisation as profoundly as Socrates remains to be seen. 

But you never know. 

Because as the great philosopher himself once said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing”.