Socrates

Description

Socrates is considered one of the foundational figures of Western philosophy. Although he left no written records, most of what we know about him comes from the accounts of his students—specifically the dialogues of Plato and Xenophon, as well as the plays of Aristophanes. Often described as the wisest man in the world, his relentless pursuit of truth earned him many enemies. They accused him of corrupting the youth, leading to his sentencing—death by consuming the deadly poison, hemlock.
Socrates served in the Athenian military during several battles, where he was noted for his exceptional courage. He was later appointed to the Athenian governing council. He was highly critical of Athenian democracy, often praising its rival, Sparta, in various dialogues. Plato famously likened him to a “gadfly”—an insect that stings a horse, goading it into action.
Cicero remarked that Socrates brought philosophy down from the heavens to the earth. Xenophon noted that no one ever saw Socrates commit an act of sacrilege, express impiety, or engage in disputes regarding the nature of the cosmos. Spintharus observed that no one could match his powers of persuasion.