Socrates

Socrates was an ancient Greek philosopher. He was born in Athens, Greece, around 470 BC. He is considered one of the founders of Western philosophy. He taught people to think deeply by asking them questions.

Early Life

Socrates was the son of a stonemason and a midwife. He served as a soldier in the Athenian army. He spent most of his time walking around Athens talking to people. He never wrote anything down.

Big Achievements

Socrates developed a way of teaching called the Socratic method. He asked people questions to make them think more deeply. He challenged people's ideas and made them question what they believed. His student Plato wrote down his teachings. Socrates was sentenced to death for his ideas but calmly accepted his fate.

Fun Facts

• Socrates never wrote a single word. Everything we know about him comes from his students.
• He said, 'I know that I know nothing,' meaning wisdom starts with knowing your own limits.
• He was sentenced to death by drinking poison hemlock.

Did You Know?

The Socratic method, asking questions to help people think, is still used in schools and law schools today. Socrates believed that asking good questions was more important than having all the answers.