Philosophy is often referred to as the “study of studies” in the Western world — a guiding compass that illuminates the path in the vast and uncertain sea of life. Socrates (469-399 B.C.), the great ancient Greek philosopher, thinker, and educator, devoted his life to seeking truth and guiding humanity toward wisdom. Revered as the “teacher of mankind” and the “Confucius of the West,” his influence has endured for millennia. Even Steve Jobs once said: “I would trade all my technology for an afternoon with Socrates.”
Socrates, his student Plato, and Plato’s student Aristotle are collectively known as the “Three Great Philosophers of Greece.” Unlike his successors, Socrates left no written works. Instead, his students and followers recorded his thoughts and teachings, leaving behind a treasure trove of timeless wisdom.
The wisdom of Socrates: ‘I know that I know nothing’
Born into a humble family, Socrates’ father was a stonemason, and his mother was a midwife. Despite his modest upbringing, he developed a deep love for reading and critical thinking, ultimately becoming a self-taught scholar and esteemed teacher.
His wife, Xanthippe, was known for her fiery temper, and one well-known anecdote about their marriage has been widely shared. On one occasion, she scolded him in front of his students, then, still seething with anger, dumped a bucket of water over his head. Expecting their teacher to be outraged, the students were stunned when Socrates calmly remarked: “I knew that after the thunder, there would be rain.”
When asked why he married such a strong-willed woman, Socrates responded with humor: “A skilled horseman always chooses the most spirited horse. If you can handle a wild horse, you can handle any other. If I can tolerate a woman with such a temper, then no one else will ever be difficult to get along with.”
Socratic dialogue: The pursuit of truth through questioning
The ancient Greeks believed that wisdom was divine, belonging only to the gods, while humans could only love and pursue wisdom. Socrates spent much of his time conversing with people on the streets, discussing concepts like courage, justice, virtue, and goodness. Through progressive questioning — now known as the Socratic method — he led his interlocutors to examine their own beliefs critically.
By dissecting ideas layer by layer, he often exposed contradictions in people’s arguments, leaving them at a loss for words. Socrates encouraged others to pursue truth by questioning assumptions, refining their understanding, and striving for knowledge that was both reliable and meaningful.
The Roman scholar Cicero later praised Socrates, saying that he “brought philosophy down from the heavens to the earth,” shifting its focus from abstract speculation to ethical and practical concerns.
A philosopher on trial: Standing firm in the face of injustice
Socrates’ relentless pursuit of truth made him many enemies, particularly among Athens’ powerful elite. He compared himself to a gadfly sent by the gods to rouse the state from complacency, stating: “The divine commands me to fulfill the mission of a philosopher, to examine myself and others.” He refused to abandon his duty, even when faced with threats to his life, believing that yielding to fear was as disgraceful as a soldier abandoning his post in battle.
In 399 B.C., at the age of 70, Socrates was accused of “corrupting the youth” and “disrespecting the gods of Athens.” The court found him guilty and sentenced him to death. He was given two options: drink poison and die or renounce his beliefs and go into exile.
Socrates chose to face death rather than betray his principles. He remained steadfast in his devotion to his divine duty, declaring: “Athenians, I respect and love you, but I will obey the divine rather than you. As long as I have breath and strength, I will not cease to practice and teach philosophy.”
With unwavering resolve, he calmly drank the cup of hemlock, ending his life but leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire seekers of wisdom across generations.
Translated by Katy Liu
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