Socrates, from Plato's Apology Quotes
A collection of quotes by Socrates, from Plato's Apology.
Socrates was an esteemed philosopher who lived in Athens, Greece during the 5th century BCE. Despite not leaving behind any written works of his own, his teachings and ideas were greatly influential, and he is considered one of the founders of Western philosophy. While his life and teachings are best known through the writings of his student Plato, his impact on subsequent philosophical thought cannot be understated.
Socrates never sought to accumulate wealth or power, instead dedicating himself to the pursuit of truth and knowledge. He believed that the unexamined life was not worth living and constantly questioned societal norms and popular beliefs. This often put him at odds with the Athenian elite, as he challenged their authority and exposed the flaws in their thinking.
In 399 BCE, Socrates was accused of corrupting the minds of the youth and not recognizing the gods of the city. These charges were brought against him by his fellow citizens, leading to his trial and subsequent condemnation. Despite having the opportunity to escape, Socrates chose to remain in Athens and face his sentence of drinking hemlock, an act of ultimate self-sacrifice for his principles.
Socrates' unwavering commitment to truth and intellectual integrity has made him an enduring figure in the history of philosophy. His dialectic method of questioning, known as the Socratic method, remains influential in the fields of education and critical thinking. He believed that knowledge was attainable through rational inquiry and that true wisdom came from acknowledging one's own ignorance. To this day, Socrates' ideas continue to inspire and provoke contemplation, leaving an indelible mark on the philosophical tradition.
