Socrates

Socrates was an ancient Athenian Greek philosopher and is generally regarded as one of the wisest and most inquisitive men of all time, and was one of the most renowned ancient figures to receive the death penalty. Although he never personally wrote any of his teachings or revelations down, his thoughts and theories were recorded by his students Plato and Xenophon ("Socrates"). Plato went on to continue teaching Socrates' ideals, even after his death, and many feel that because he had a better relationship with and understanding of Socrates than Xenophon did, that his writings are the best examples of Socrates' true teachings ("Socrates Biography").

 "S ocrates is described as having neglected his own affairs, instead spending his time discussing virtue, justice, and piety wherever his fellow citizens congregated, seeking wisdom about right conduct so that he might guide the moral and intellectual improvement of Athens" ("Socrates"). One thing that he focused on was developing his Socratic Method, where one must ask a series of questions in order to examine the implications of their answers. The Socratic Method is still widely used today in order to come to a more complete conclusion and help the individual being questioned to find the insight themselves ("Socrates- A Biography...").

However, his criticism of the Athenian political and religious institutions made him many enemies and in 399 B.C.E, Socrates was "tried for corrupting the morals of Athenian youth and for religious heresies" ("Socrates"). He was convicted. All of his followers made efforts to save his life, wanting to fight the law and unjust sentencing, but Socrates resisted. When it came time for his death he willingly drank the cup of poison given to him and waited for death to overtake him ("Socrates Biography").