The Apology of Socrates by Plato

"The Apology of Socrates' by Plato. Translated to English by Benjamin Jowett. It was an audio-book by Librivox. Recording by Father Zeile. 

This book is the Socratic dialogue that presents the speech of legal self-defense, which Socrates presented at his trial for impiety and corruption, in 399 BC. The Apology of Socrates is a defense against the charges of “corrupting the young and not believing in the gods in whom the city believes".

Summary of Part 1 is his statement that whatever wisdom he possesses comes from knowing that he knows nothing. That's why he considers himself wiser than those who know nothing but think they do.

In Part 2, he accuses his accuser of making a joke of serious matter. Malitus accused Socrates as atheist but Socrates accuses him to be a liar by pointing the discrepancy in his argument with sound logic that if he believes in Demigods, he believes in Gods and hence he is not an atheist.

In Part 3, he calls himself a Gadfly whose criticism provokes society into action. He appeals to Athenians. He says, I have not made money, my poverty is the proof. He gives examples where he had taken righteous stand without fearing for life. He mentions Plato's presence among others twice. He Proposes 30 Aitna penalty for himself believing that they will not give him death penalty. However, he is condemned to death. In his Closing statement he says, I depart with penalty of death. You depart with penalty of villainy and wrong. Finally he prophesies that his accusers will be punished. There will be accusers of you. He thanks those who supported him.

In Part 4, after condemnation he says, I have not defended myself weeping, wailing & lamenting. He looks forward to after life and meeting and discussing with the departed souls of Heros. He requests Athenians to look after his sons ensuring they put goodness before selfish interest. 

Socrates is not afraid of the punishment, neither is he afraid of voicing his opinions. All through the book Vanity of Socrates is on display. It is laced with supreme confidence in his abilities, capabilities, beliefs and his philosophy. 

He bluntly refuses to accept charges and says if he was given an opportunity he will do the same again, even if they put him to death again. 

Socrates thought much ahead of his time. He wanted to bring change. Others were not up to his speed and considered him a Charlatan. The establishment could not stand his philosophy and hence accused him and put him to death. Although he lived more than 2400 years ago, he is still quoted widely. Thus though he died he became and immortal through his philosophy. 

Why did I read this book? Socrates & Plato. 

What I didn't like? It's a record of Plato. Did he add something? No way to know. 

What did I like? Fearlessness of thought. 

A short and good book. Recommend reading.