Lesson 1: Socrates

Socratic wisdom.

Socrates was born in Greece in the city of Athens, Europe in 469 B.C.

He is considered to be one of the most influential philosophers in the classical era.

He wasn't very rich or very handsome. He couldn't afford any luxury, but he was happy with the life he was given.

Socrates spent his days in a unique way. He wandered the streets of Athens and talked to anyone he saw, rich, poor, young and old. He then asked complex yet simple questions like: 'what is wisdom?' , 'what is wealth?'...

Most people were surprised and couldn't answer his questions. Even the most intelligent people were proven to be no more than fools. One day Socrates walked towards two reputed generals Nikias and Laches. Both had fought in the Peloponnesos war against the Spartans.

The conversation went like this:

Socrates: "Why don't you tell me what bravery is?"

Laches: " Oh my, that is not a difficult task! Bravery is someone who stays in battle formation to fight the enemy en doesn't flee, someone like that is absolutely brave."

But Socrates recalled the battle of Plataiai in 479 B.C. where a Greek unit retreated from the enemy, but then attacked and bravely defeated the enemy.

Socrates: "They say that when the Spartans saw the Persian army they didn't want to fight so they retreated. When the Persians rushed to capture the Spartans they broke battle formation. When the Spartans saw this they turned and bravely defeated the mighty Persians army"

Laches, who thought Socrates made a point, came with another explanation.

Bravery is also determination. But Socrates replied, determination could also be used for other circumstances, besides war. Where there is no sign of bravery. Nikias, the other general, replied that for bravery you also need knowledge and be able to make a distinction between good and evil.

This conversation may seem unimportant, but it had a great impact. The generals learned that they could be brave, even when they retreated.

What do we learn about this example?

Even people who have a high function in society can be wrong. The generals in fact didn't know what bravery was. They had this definition, which was incomplete and incorrect. We should remember these lessons, don't just follow without thinking the 'generals'. Try to reason and you will see that those people do not know the truth.

In the end, what is truth anyway?