BIOGRAPHY OF SOCRATES
SOCRATES, the Greek philosopher was born in Athens in the year 469 B.C. He had the usual education of the Athenian citizen, which included studying the work of Greek poets, but also the elements of arithmetic, geometry and astronomy. He served as a hoplite, or armed soldier, at the siege of Potidaea, at the battle of Deliurn, and at Amphipolis, and was reknowned for his bravery and endurance.
Somewhere in his middle years, he styled himself as a philosopher. His whole day was usually spent training both mind and body, and talking with any one, young or old, rich or poor, who sought to address him. As his conversation was wise and stimulating people made it their habit to listen to him in public and many became regular companions and listeners.
In the year 400 B.C., an indictment was laid against Socrates, in the following terms; "Socrates is guilty of crime; first, for not worshipping the gods whom the city worships, and for introducing new divinities of his own; next for corrupting the youth. The penalty due is death." The trial took place before a court and Socrate's defense is preserved by Plato, under the title Apology of Socrates. He dwelt on his mission to convince men of their ignorance for their ultimate benefit, pronounced himself a public blessing to the Athenians; declared that if his life was preserved he would continue in the same course. The prospect of his death did not seem to worry him.
Unfortunately by a majority of five or six he was found guilty and sentenced to death by poison. The last day of his life he passed in conversation with his friends on the immortality of the soul. He then drank the hemlock administered to him, and passed away bravely and peacefully.