Socrates
470 BC – 399 BC
Socrates (c. 470–399 BCE) was the founder of Western philosophy, though he left no writings of his own. He practised philosophy as a way of life, engaging Athenians in relentless questioning (the Socratic method) to expose the limits of their knowledge. Sentenced to death for impiety and corrupting the youth, he chose hemlock over exile, exemplifying his conviction that justice matters more than survival.
Key works: Socratic method · Apology · Examined life
Top quotes by Socrates
“Be slow to fall into friendship, but when you are in, continue firm and constant.”
Read the full explanation →“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.”
Read the full explanation →“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
Read the full explanation →“The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.”
Read the full explanation →“The easiest and noblest way is not to get angry.”
Read the full explanation →“The greatest blessing granted to mankind come by way of madness.”
Read the full explanation →“He who loves money, money soon begins to hate him.”
Read the full explanation →“The wise man speaks because he has something to say; the fool because he has to say something.”
Read the full explanation →“By all means marry; if you get a good wife, you'll become happy; if you get a bad one, you'll become a philosopher.”
Read the full explanation →“Enjoy yourself as long as you do not harm anyone and no one harms you.”
Read the full explanation →
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