Socrates

Greek Philosopher (469-399 B.C.)

Although he may have not left any literary legacies behind, Socrates is often described as the father of philosophical dialogue. Through contemporary writers such as Aristophanes and Xenophon, historians have been able to piece together information pertaining to his life, works and unorthodox teaching style. As a pass time, Socrates often would walk through the busy streets and talk to those disillusioned by the truths of society. He would leave them perplexed, confused and foolish in front of their peers, but unlike the sophists, he offered no answer to his questions which often furthered the embarrassment.

Although Socrates was far from rich he declined to accept payment for his work teaching, similarly unlike the sophists of his time, he was disdained and sought only to learn, opposed to accumulate materialistic possessions which could have distracted him. As a controversial and outspoken political figure it was only a matter of time before he was prosecuted. As it stood, he was convicted to death by hemlock for corrupting the youth, and as sentenced, Socrates drank hemlock and died in the company of his friends, family and followers. As an influential figure those close to him likely would have felt great remorse and sadness, as for the young Plato, the injustice towards his teacher was the turning point which changed and shaped his whole life.

Quotes:

I am not an Athenian or a Greek, but a citizen of the world.

If a man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it.

I do nothing but go about persuading you all, old and young alike, not to take thought for your persons or your properties, but and chiefly to care about the greatest improvement of the soul. I tell you that virtue is not given by money, but that from virtue comes money and every other good of man, public as well as private. This is my teaching, and if this is the doctrine which corrupts the youth, I am a mischievous person.

The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our ways–I to die and you to live. Which is the better, only God knows.

Envy is the ulcer of the soul.

The unexamined life is not worth living.

Thou shouldst eat to live; not live to eat.

Get not your friends by bare compliments, but by giving them sensible tokens of your love.

Remember that there is nothing stable in human affairs; therefore avoid undue elation in prosperity, or undue depression in adversity.

There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance.

I decided that it was not wisdom that enabled [poets] to write their poetry, but a kind of instinct or inspiration, such as you find in seers and prophets who deliver all their sublime messages without knowing in the least what they mean.

I know nothing except the fact of my ignorance.

Bad men live that they may eat and drink, whereas good men eat and drink that they may live.

By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you’ll be happy. If you get a bad one, you’ll become a philosopher.