Socrates was one of the most famous teachers in ancient Athens. His taught by asking questions. He questioned everything. He wanted his students to question everything. He asked questions like: “Are the stories about the gods real?” and “How can we improve our government?”

A group of wealthy nobles found his teaching methods unacceptable. They accused him of mocking the gods and challenging the Greek way of life in Athens. They wanted Socrates punished. He was about seventy years old at the time and had been teaching for a long time. He thought the whole thing was ridiculous.

In ancient Athens, anyone could demand a trial. In court, the accused would have a chance to defend themselves. This handful of wealthy nobles filed charges against Socrates. At the trial, Socrates refused to defend himself. From what? The jury felt they had no choice but to find him guilty. The punishment for mocking the gods was death.

Socrates drank poison to kill himself. It was a sad day for free thinking people in ancient Athens.

Source: Socrates
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