Socrates, one of the three distinguished Athenian philosophers, was born in 469 BC in the Greek capital during the reign of Pericles, at a time when the Athenian empire was flourishing. Despite not being from an elite family, his father was a stone-carver, a skill that Socrates also developed and sometimes utilized. His mother worked as a midwife, tending to numerous women in Athens.
In his late forties, after the Peloponnesian War, Socrates began to contemplate deep questions about the nature of existence and the world around him. He posed rhetorical questions such as “what is beauty,” “what is wisdom,” and “what is the proper way to live.” He knew that these questions were difficult to answer and that there would be no conclusive response.
Initially, his approach was unconventional, wandering around the streets and squares of Athens and asking people who stopped to chat these meaningful questions. The responses he received were not much different from those that would be encountered today if we were to take a similar approach. People would ignore him, befriend him, and sometimes become angry and violent when his questions appeared irrational or confusing.
Over time, Socrates developed a group of young male followers who were truly interested in his words and approach. One of these men was Plato, who himself went on to become one of the greatest minds in history. Socrates opened an academy that was free for all visitors.
Unfortunately, his growing reputation was viewed unfavorably by some Athenian officials. In 399 BC, he was charged with impiety (disrespect to the gods) and corrupting young minds. It was suggested that his values contradicted the democratic ideals that had taken root in Greece. In reality, he was considered undemocratic because he believed that the smartest individuals in society should be the rulers, rather than those who held the highest positions.
The Athenians were unable to prosecute Socrates for being anti-democratic; instead, he was charged for his violations of religion. Sadly, he was found guilty and sentenced to death. It is believed that he died by drinking a cup of water infused with hemlock, a poisonous plant provided to him by his prison guards.
Socrates did not write down his thoughts and values. Only after his death did Plato record some of the ideas that had been taught by this exceptional man.
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