The “Apology of Socrates” by Plato delves into the philosophical defense offered by Socrates during his trial in ancient Athens. In this dialogue, Socrates addresses charges of impiety and corrupting the youth. The core ideas revolve around Socratic wisdom, where he claims to be wise because he recognizes his own ignorance. His philosophical mission is portrayed as a divine duty to challenge societal norms and stimulate self-examination.

A central theme is the Socratic method, a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue used by Socrates to encourage critical thinking. Socrates compares himself to a gadfly, stinging the city of Athens to prevent intellectual complacency. The narrative unfolds as Socrates maintains his integrity in the face of a death sentence, prioritizing the pursuit of truth over personal safety.

The book explores the role of the philosopher in society, emphasizing the responsibilities of questioning assumptions for the betterment of the community. Socrates addresses the irony of a society punishing a philosopher committed to virtue and wisdom. The famous declaration, “the unexamined life is not worth living,” underscores the importance of introspection and the pursuit of knowledge.

In summary, the “Apology of Socrates” presents a compelling narrative of Socratic wisdom, the philosophical mission to question societal norms, and the role of the philosopher in society, all woven together with the backdrop of Socrates’ trial and unyielding commitment to truth.

This reminds me the quote from Charlie Munger that “wisdom acquisition is a moral duty” and I’m commit to lifetime learning.