Jessica Grembowski

Socrates Paper (Johnson, period 7)

9/28/09

From his free-wheeling discussions of philosophy with young aristocrats of

Athens, to his dedication of inquiring the build-up of moral character, Socrates was a

great man with many insights to the world. As a young adolescence, he studied the

physical world under Archelaus. He had shown interest in scientific theories, but soon

abandoned those ideas to study the development of one’s mien. He had participated in the

Peloponnesian War, and enjoyed focusing on the political turmoil that followed. Then, he

retired from an active life to take care of his wife and kids. Shortly afterwards, he

received a generous inheritance from his father. With a new-found independence,

Socrates set-out to craft philosophical dialogue.

Socrates (469–399 B.C.E.) was a daring individual at his youth. Not the most

handsome, he grew out his hair like a Spartan and walked around unwashed and barefoot.

He often looked arrogant and didn’t seem to be bothered by the effect of alcohol or cold

weather—this made him a rather suspicious character to his fellow soldiers. Even enemy

soldiers were said to keep away from the man with an intimidating aura and who also

efficiently wore the clothes he put on during the daytime to bed. Though, contrary to his

appearance, he was immensely intelligent. Even when he grew into adulthood, he was

considered an abnormal Athenian because he did not commit to making a living by labor,

nor did he attend assemblies of the state like most men. Instead, he would wander in a

poverty-like state, insisting to those who followed him that he would not take money for

his teachings. Socrates may have been considered to be an odd individual, but it isn’t

unusual for people to see past his quirks and realize his remarkable insight.
 It is believed Socrates understood the vital steps to finding an understanding to

general knowledge as well as the key concepts of leading a human life. He thought that

everyone is basically searching for virtue by inquiring the world around us. He concluded

to think that accepting our ignorance and demolishing the deception that we already

know the world perfectly as it is, then we would find a truer knowledge—one more

valuable for an intelligent, philosophical outlook. He had also said (while imprisoned—

mainly speaking to his followers who were desperately planning attempts to free him)

that a citizen—even if under unjust treatment—can never be justified in refusing to obey

the laws of his state, and, if he does, he should be considered worthless.

Though seeming to have an intriguing philosophical mind, many found Socrates’

teachings to be too radical for the young and wealthy aristocrats. Fifth-century parents

did not like to see their promising fledgling nobles of tomorrow being whisked away by

some excessive free-thinker. Naturally, there were some who were greatly influenced by

his teachings, contradicting most parents’ wishes. Among those were: Aristophanes,

Xenophon, and Plato. Aristophanes went on to create some riveting plays, some actually

about Socrates and his defiance of the status quo. Xenophon turned out to be an excellent

historian, who—through many of his writing—has helped to paint the picture of the life

of Socrates. And lastly, Plato (who is now a very well-known philosopher) was a good

friend of Socrates in his later life. Plato was actually with Socrates during his last days,

after his imprisonment. This shows what a great bond they shared, and they probably

revealed their common philosophies to each other as well.

In conclusion, Socrates was an astonishing man. He changed the common ideas of

society and redefined the outlooks of the young Athenians. He had moral philosophies
that are still quoted today. Even though he never wrote his philosophies, nor asked for

payment, nor shied away from the glares of his peers, Socrates still remains an influence

today. The study of his recorded teachings is still an eye-opener to many readers, and

they make one ponder what someone could do to reach the goals he set. I personally

agree with most of his philosophies and hope that they continue to circulate for years to

come.