Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ahoaoria 2qkpatoy2, Or , The Defence Of Socrates.
But , in truth , Athenians , it appears to me , that the Deity alone is Avise , ancl . because this is in conformity AA'ith my opinion , and , because I hold human wisdom to be Avorfh little or nothing , the oracle pronounced the high eulogium on my Avisdom which you have this day heard . The response of the oracle implies , that Socrates Avas the first to broach this doctrine , which adds to the eminence of his distinguished name , ancl points him out as an exemplar of the true wisdom to all other
mortals . As if the oracle should have , in other Avords , said— " That man , Athenians , is the wisest amongst yon , who , like Socrates , has discovered that no mortal ought to value himself on account of his attainments , either in learning or talent , art or science , affluence or skill . " Indeed , I eA en IIOAV perambulate the country , searching into and analysing every subject connected Avith science and philosophy , out of reverence to the declaration of the oracle ; andshould Iperchance ,
, , encounter any one among my felloAV-citizens , or among foreigners , whom I deem a philosopher , and afterwards it should turn out . that he is not , adducing the testimony of the Deity , and examining his sentiments "b y the divine rule , I demonstrate to him that he is not possessed of the true philosophy . But no enmity worthy of recollection was kindled through such an innocent occupation , cither among the members of the state , or of private families . All the harm committed has fallen
upon myself . For I can assure you this obedience to Avhat I conceive to be a diA'ine impulse to sow the seeds of true wisdom among my species , has reduced me to very extreme poverty ! Now , I will turn ancl address myself to those individuals composing this assembly who , Avhen young men , Avere pleased to rank themselves
among my folloAvers and disciples , and who were ever rejoiced to listen to my discussions aud disputations . They are the sons of the wealthiest citizens , and strange to say , are noAv the most bitter against me . They often tried to imitate my method of arguing , ancl would attempt to confront and broAV-beat their scholastic opponents . From the circumstance of my instructing them , I suppose it Avas that they aftei-Avards experienced a very liberal reception in the different circles of society , and Avere imagined to possess some information ancl
knowledge , Avhen , in truth , it AA'as very superficial . Hence , those Avhom they might have confuted in argument and reasoning , became exasperated with me , not Avith them ; and in a railing accusation assert , " There is Socrates Avith his impious notions corrupting the youth of the state . " And , if any one asks , Avhat does he do , and what does he teach ? they have nothing to say for themselves , but are dumbfounded ! HoAvever , not to appear at a loss , they say just such thinars as are
ever at hand to throw into the teeth of all persons who pursue the science of philosophy . Mere invidious prejudices . Such as , He is in the habit of diving into unknoAvn and mysterious sciences , subjects of a profound ancl metaphysical nature ; paying no devotion to the Gods , ancl thereby scandalising Reli gion , and propounding the doctrine , that Ave may do evil that good may come , or by his reasoning process making ( lie Avorse appear the better cause .
But the fact is , I veril y believe , though they would not Avish to confess it , they are evidently pretending to kiioAV something about what they are so fond of talking , Avhen all the time they know nothing . Still , I grant they are viciously ambitious , violent in their agitation , and numerous in quantity . And , I am also aware , that their orations upon me Avere rhetorically Avell arranged , and their manner of delivery
Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software.
Ahoaoria 2qkpatoy2, Or , The Defence Of Socrates.
But , in truth , Athenians , it appears to me , that the Deity alone is Avise , ancl . because this is in conformity AA'ith my opinion , and , because I hold human wisdom to be Avorfh little or nothing , the oracle pronounced the high eulogium on my Avisdom which you have this day heard . The response of the oracle implies , that Socrates Avas the first to broach this doctrine , which adds to the eminence of his distinguished name , ancl points him out as an exemplar of the true wisdom to all other
mortals . As if the oracle should have , in other Avords , said— " That man , Athenians , is the wisest amongst yon , who , like Socrates , has discovered that no mortal ought to value himself on account of his attainments , either in learning or talent , art or science , affluence or skill . " Indeed , I eA en IIOAV perambulate the country , searching into and analysing every subject connected Avith science and philosophy , out of reverence to the declaration of the oracle ; andshould Iperchance ,
, , encounter any one among my felloAV-citizens , or among foreigners , whom I deem a philosopher , and afterwards it should turn out . that he is not , adducing the testimony of the Deity , and examining his sentiments "b y the divine rule , I demonstrate to him that he is not possessed of the true philosophy . But no enmity worthy of recollection was kindled through such an innocent occupation , cither among the members of the state , or of private families . All the harm committed has fallen
upon myself . For I can assure you this obedience to Avhat I conceive to be a diA'ine impulse to sow the seeds of true wisdom among my species , has reduced me to very extreme poverty ! Now , I will turn ancl address myself to those individuals composing this assembly who , Avhen young men , Avere pleased to rank themselves
among my folloAvers and disciples , and who were ever rejoiced to listen to my discussions aud disputations . They are the sons of the wealthiest citizens , and strange to say , are noAv the most bitter against me . They often tried to imitate my method of arguing , ancl would attempt to confront and broAV-beat their scholastic opponents . From the circumstance of my instructing them , I suppose it Avas that they aftei-Avards experienced a very liberal reception in the different circles of society , and Avere imagined to possess some information ancl
knowledge , Avhen , in truth , it AA'as very superficial . Hence , those Avhom they might have confuted in argument and reasoning , became exasperated with me , not Avith them ; and in a railing accusation assert , " There is Socrates Avith his impious notions corrupting the youth of the state . " And , if any one asks , Avhat does he do , and what does he teach ? they have nothing to say for themselves , but are dumbfounded ! HoAvever , not to appear at a loss , they say just such thinars as are
ever at hand to throw into the teeth of all persons who pursue the science of philosophy . Mere invidious prejudices . Such as , He is in the habit of diving into unknoAvn and mysterious sciences , subjects of a profound ancl metaphysical nature ; paying no devotion to the Gods , ancl thereby scandalising Reli gion , and propounding the doctrine , that Ave may do evil that good may come , or by his reasoning process making ( lie Avorse appear the better cause .
But the fact is , I veril y believe , though they would not Avish to confess it , they are evidently pretending to kiioAV something about what they are so fond of talking , Avhen all the time they know nothing . Still , I grant they are viciously ambitious , violent in their agitation , and numerous in quantity . And , I am also aware , that their orations upon me Avere rhetorically Avell arranged , and their manner of delivery