Nor did you ever know me to stay indoors more than others on account of cold, or to fight with any man for the shade because of the heat, or to be prevented from walking anywhere by sore feet? Do you not know that by training, a puny weakling comes to better at any form of exercise he practices, and gets more staying power, than the muscular prodigy who neglects to train?" And to finish driving the dagger into Antiphon's pride-filled heart, Socrates finished with, "You seem, Antiphon, to imagine that happiness consists in luxury and extravagance
But my belief is that to have no wants is divine; and that which is divine is supreme (Strauss 311)." His exceptional stamina and exercise, along with distaining from gluttony, kept Socrates in excellent health until, at the age of 70, he was accused of impiety and sentenced to death. In another example of his apathy for worldly goods, one of Socrates's wealthy students attempted to repay his teacher, but found the task impossible. The student Alcibiades, tried to give Socrates land and material to build a home fitting for such a great teacher. Socrates replied, "Suppose, then, I wanted shoes and you offered me a whole hide to make a pair, would it not be ridiculous for me to take it?" Socrates was full of questions and admitted to having few answers. Another student sent him corn, vittles and wine directly to his house. As befitting of Socrates, he took a little and returned all the rest (Hulse 188). These are just some examples of Socrates's ability in using his wit to charismatically display his virtues.
His Views.
Despite historians" inability to provide detailed information about the early life of Socrates, there are a few records of his dialogues and discoveries. The problems with them are that his students recorded many of these details, and depending on their motivation, the stories can be quite different. Plato's dialogues of Socrates hold more validity because he was a friend of Socrates who actually received his teachings.
Throughout his endeavors Socrates found his virtue. ... "But Socrates, what is your occupation? ... Yet Socrates says he is not. ... In this respect, Socrates was wiser than any man. ... This is why Socrates did not cease his philosophy. ...
I will demonstrate this first through Meletus' charge that Socrates does not believe in the gods (Apol. 26c9-10). ... In regards to the charge that Socrates corrupts the youth (Apol. 24b8-9), Socrates gave a seemingly strong defense, but, under further inspection, his main counterargument lacks some crucial logic. ... This logic is faulty, because when Socrates teaches his ideas, one either can choose to ignore what he says, and not become corrupted, or agree with Socrates' teachings. In the case that someone does believe his ideas, Socrates suggested that we wait for someone to...
In terms of political wisdom as an ideology Socrates easily explains it with the roles of the guardians in his city. ... Moderation, Socrates thought had to do with everyone having only what they needed to survive. ... This was an ideology that Socrates really believed in, moderation and the collective sharing of goods and services. In Book IV we see Socrates talking about justice and the just individual. ... Bing a just individual according to Socrates is finding a balance on these three things....
Socrates is never trying to win at the trial. ... However, we can feel the humbleness of Socrates. ... However, Socrates finds this is not the truth. ... What Socrates means is he believes Meletus doesn't really care about if Socrates corrupts youth or is impious. ... Socrates insults Meletus and the powerful people like him, so they wish to get ride of Socrates through this trial so that Socrates won't damage their benefit. ...
Socrates asked Meletos if he thinks it is important for the younger generation to be good as possible. ... (25B)" which means that of all the Athenians, Socrates is the only person guilty of corrupting the youth. ... Secondly, Socrates was accused by Meletos for not believing in the gods. Meletos said to Socrates and the gentle of the jury that he believes in no gods at all. ... But Meletos came to Socrates and claimed that Socrates believes in the spirituality and teaches others to believe in this spiritual matter. ...
Socrates is known to be one of the greatest philosophers of all time. ... Socrates was born in 469 BC in Athens. ... Socrates lost the case and was convicted him by a vote of 280 to 221. ... I believe that Socrates is one of the greatest philosophers I have read about. ... To me Socrates emphasized on true knowledge and wisdom. ...
Socrates clearly didn't wish to die. ... Socrates predicted that he would be sentenced to death, and he accepted it, rather than sacrifice his integrity. ... From the outset, Socrates defended himself against his prosecutors. ... Socrates' acceptance of death is not the same as a desire for death. ... It's clear in "The Apology" that Socrates does not wish to die. ...
Socrates in his defence explains to the people of Athens his views and their origins. ... It is a fact that Socrates wanted nothing but to speak the truth and be judged justly. ... This is perfectly highlighted by Socrates follow up statement after Meletus points out Socrates worships demigods. ... Socrates lived his life primarily to attain truth and good moral judgement. ... Socrates was also a poor man as he never charged anyone for his teachings. ...
From Socrates's point of view, he believes that death is like sleep. ... Ironically, Socrates makes a conflict point when he compares dreamless sleep to death. ... Socrates's idea of unrighteousness is clear and sound. ... What makes Socrates so brave is his belief in being a good person. ... Realistically, not everyone has the strong belief like Socrates does. ...