42 Mysterious Facts About Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy

October 10, 2019 | Kyle Climans

42 Mysterious Facts About Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy


"I only wish that wisdom were the kind of thing that flowed … from the vessel that was full to the one that was empty." Socrates, quoted in Plato's Symposium

Socrates is one of the biggest influences on Western thought and Western philosophy. He is famous for his intellect, his views on society, and his rather chilling end, with him being forced to drink poison after he was found guilty of corrupting the youth of Athens with his ideas. His name is synonymous with wisdom and philosophy, even for those who don’t really know about him. To be fair, though, they would be forgiven for not knowing much about Socrates. For such a famous and influential figure, we actually know very little for sure about Socrates. We here at Factinate tried our best to acquire what is known about this man, and present it here for you in these 42 facts about the Father of Philosophy.

Statue of Socrates, the philosopher, with sky in distance.


Socrates Facts

42. Distant Next of Kin

Socrates was allegedly born in 470 BC in the city of Athens to a midwife named Phaenarete and a stonemason named Sophroniscus. Socrates also had a half-brother named Patrocles. Outside their names, very little is known about any of his family members.

Statue of Socrates and The Academy of Athens. Athens, Greece.

41. Raised in Wartime

Socrates lived during the Peloponnesian War, a devastating conflict which tore the Greek city-states apart. The majority of Greeks either sided with Sparta or Athens, the two most powerful (and starkly different) city-states in all of Greece. Spoiler alert, Sparta ended up winning, but we’ll cover more of that later.

Downfall of the Athenians during the Peloponnesian War.

40. Maybe the Life Rights Were Too Expensive?

Of all the people who wrote about Socrates, the only one who wrote about him during Socrates’ lifetime was the playwright Aristophanes. Everything else we know about the man was written after he'd taken the hemlock.

Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy Facts

39. Get the Story Straight!!

The fact that Socrates is only known through the writings of others has given rise to the "Socratic problem." The problem rests in the issue that all the sources written about Socrates frequently contradict each other on the details of his life, so the task of understanding anything definite about him is extremely difficult.

Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy Factspixabay

38. Socrates the Sophist

Socrates is frequently portrayed as having been a sophist. Sophistry involves “ingenuity in reasoning or for deceiving someone.” In Socrates’ time, sophists taught lessons in rhetoric, and how to use it to win people over. Since ancient Athens was such a hub for debate and speeches, sophists were in high demand.

Socrates

37. You Know Nothing, Socrates

In one of the most famous stories about Socrates, his friend asked the Oracle of Delphi who was wiser than Socrates. The Oracle declared that nobody was wiser. To give Socrates some credit, he refuted this belief, thinking he knew nothing. So he approached the wisest men he could find to test the Oracle’s claim. To his surprise, he concluded that all the supposed wise men he found were not so knowledgeable at all! Socrates realized that his humble acknowledgment of knowing almost nothing was a wiser stance than that of the others, leading to the famous line (though likely not an exact quote) "I know that I know nothing."

Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy FactsWikimedia Commons

36. Cut Short? Not Exactly

If the sources can be trusted, Socrates died in 399 BC at the ripe old age of 71 years. Given the era in which he lived, it’s safe to say he had a relatively long life—albeit one ended prematurely.

Socrates (469-399 BC, Greek philosopher) drinks the cup of poison.

35. Home Sweet Home

Another thing that is agreed on by all the sources on Socrates is that he spent his life living in Athens. Of course, maybe some more changes of scenery would have been a bit handy, what with his eventual prosecution and death!

The Acropolis of Athens.

34. Written by the Victors

One of Socrates’ protégés was Xenophon, a prominent soldier-turned-historian in ancient Greece. Xenophon would go on to write about Socrates, but we have to assume that he might have been wearing rose-colored glasses.

Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy FactsWikimedia Commons

33. Sure, I Believe That!

Some rather strange beliefs are associated with Socrates. They are called “paradoxes” by historians and intellectuals due to the fact that it’s so odd that such a wise philosopher would believe these ideas to be true. Among them include the idea that “no one desires evil.” One could make an argument that even evil people see themselves as good, or at least victims, but we’d argue that the existence of internet trolls proves Socrates wrong!

A road sign for Paradox.

32. Thanks, Plato!

Admittedly, if there was anything that Socrates could choose to write about him, he’d be hard-pressed to find a more devoted ally than Plato. Plato adored Socrates and provided a much-idealized view of him through his philosophical writing. In fact, Socrates is frequently a character in Plato’s works to speak to the audience via his conversations with other characters.

Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy FactsWikimedia Commons

31. Associates in High Places

Socrates’ father, the stonemason named Sophroniscus, was said to be a good friend of Lysimachus, who was the son of renowned Athenian statesman Aristides. Such was his outstanding reputation that he was even called Aristides the Just (though that didn’t stop the citizens of Athens from exiling him in the 480s BC). However, the connection meant that Socrates got to rub shoulders, for a time, with the elite of Athenian citizens, including Pericles, who helped lead Athens during part of the Peloponnesian War before his death.

Party people illustration.

30. Working with Your Hands

It’s been written that Socrates followed his father into the practice of stonemasonry, at least for a time. One theory even states that Socrates was responsible for the statues of the Charites. These statues decorated the sacred Athenian hilltop called the Acropolis until the 2nd century AD.

The Porch of the Caryatids in Acropolis of Athens.

29. Burn the Warlock!

The fact that Socrates put himself in the position of a critic of Athenian society and government made it rather easy to accuse him of corrupting the youth. He was also charged with impiety, or heresy, depending on which source you read.

Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy Factswikimedia

28. The Way of the Sword

Believe it or not, Socrates served as a hoplite (heavy infantryman) during the Peloponnesian War. He served in multiple battles, as was documented by several writers, but more on his soldierly reputation later.

Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy Factsgetty images

27. They Taught Me Well

Socrates credited numerous people for his ideas rather than claim them to be his own. Among his teachers were said to be the philosopher Anaxagoras and the rhetor (teacher of rhetoric) Prodicus.

Scrolls and Socrates.

26. Ladies…

Interestingly, Socrates also included two women in the ranks of his teachers, rare for an ancient Athenian to admit! According to Plato's Symposium, Socrates credited a supposed witch named Diotima with teaching “all he knows about eros, or love.” Moreover, Socrates claimed to learn the art of rhetoric from Aspasia, who was the mistress of the great Athenian general Pericles.

Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy Facts

25. Do I Look Rich to You?!

One of the biggest inconsistencies in Socrates’ portrayal by other writers is whether he got paid or not. According to Aristophanes, Socrates hypocritically ran a school and taught his views for monetary reward. Plato and Xenophon, however, declare that Socrates was only interested in philosophy for its own sake. During his trial, Socrates allegedly argued that his poverty proved that he couldn’t possibly be a teacher.

Socrates (439-399) Ancient Greek philosopher. Socrates on trial for 'corrupting youth' and 'impiety'. Sentenced to death by drinking hemlock. 19th century illustration.

24. Can’t We Have Some Impartiality?

Sadly, for historians, the people behind Socrates’ trial and execution “left no testament” concerning the case. Any facts have to be gleaned from the aforementioned texts, all of which clearly have agendas of their own.

Statue Of Lady Justice Against White Background

23. Sacre Bleu!

No less a figure than the French writer Voltaire wrote a “satirical play” about Socrates’ ill-fated trial. The play, simply titled Socrates, depicts its title character as being a victim of religious and governmental persecution.

Safe to say that Voltaire, like Plato, had a few axes to grind and he used Socrates to his own ends.

Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy Facts

22. Kumbaya!

Socrates frequently claimed that virtue was worth far more than any material wealth. He would advocate for the pursuits of friendships and for society to come together as a community. How tragically ironic that his own community would turn so hard against him!

Friends in nature illustration.

21. Six Degrees of Separation

Socrates’ name and philosophies spread far beyond Greece during the Hellenistic Era. This was the time when Greek culture was stamped all across the ancient world thanks to Alexander the Great. Interestingly, Alexander was mentored in his youth by Aristotle, who had been a protégé of Plato, former student to Socrates! Turns out what goes around comes around!

Aristotle Teaches Alexander The Great.

20. Internationally Influential

Speaking of widespread influence, Socrates found himself given an Islamicized name when Arabic philosophers became aware of his legacy. Dubbed “Suqrat,” his ideas were introduced to the Arab world by renowned figure Al-Kindi.

Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy Facts

19. Close Association

Although Socrates is portrayed very positively by Plato in his writings, we can never be sure where Socrates’ philosophies end and Plato’s begin. Maybe Socrates could have taken some time to put pen to paper at least once? Just to clarify things before Plato got started?

Plato meditating on immortality before Socrates

18. The Death of Socrates

According to one version of Socrates’ death, he was made to consume a drink containing the poisonous plant known as hemlock, which he did willingly. He was then made to “walk around until his legs felt numb.” The effect of the poison then worked its way up his body until his heart gave out.

Caricatura de Sócrates.

17. Late Bloomer

Socrates is said to have had three sons: Sophroniscus (named for Socrates’ father), Lamprocles, and Menexenus. According to the sources, Socrates entered fatherhood at a very late age, as his children were described as being very young at the time of their dad’s trial (remember that Socrates was around 70 at the time).

School Boy Cartoons.

16. Captured on Canvas

Through Plato’s writing, Socrates’ name and reputation thrived in Western Europe over the centuries. Many paintings from such periods as the 18th century depict the philosopher in various positions as teaching Plato, instructing Alcibiades, or taking his cup of hemlock.

Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy Factspixabay

15. What About “Institute”?

It was actually Plato, Socrates’ most famous student, who provided a new word for an education institution. After Socrates’ death, Plato would go on to found the Academy, which became so famous that it gave its name as a synonym for school. No doubt Socrates would have approved!

Red Rubber Stamp Icon on Transparent Background.

14. Here Comes the Judge

Socrates was said to have served as Epistates (overseer) in a trial of several Athenian generals during the Peloponnesian War. The generals were accused of abandoning many dead and injured Athenians so that they could pursue fleeing Spartan ships. Many declared that the generals should be punished cruelly as forsaking their duties. Socrates ended up pushing the conclusion that the trial had been undermined by a miscarriage of justice. Rather ironic that Socrates would later be brought down by a trial many years later.

Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy Facts

13. Buzz Off!

Plato describes Socrates as being the “gadfly” of Athens. Gadflies were well-known to sting and infuriate animals. Given how much Socrates’ views and rhetoric so angered his fellow citizens, the comparison seems very apt.

Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy Factsgetty images

12. The Wily Pupil

One of Socrates’ most well-known protégés was Alcibiades, who was one of the most polarizing figures of the Peloponnesian War, or even ancient Greek history for that matter. Alcibiades was a brilliant general and statesman who initially fought for Athens, his home city. However, he would go on to make more enemies than even Socrates did. Alcibiades’ story could honestly fill an HBO series, given that he turned traitor several times during the war, and played a very large role in deciding its outcome. He ultimately died just a few years after Socrates, murdered while on the run with one of his many mistresses.

Death of Alcibiades (404 BC), wood engraving, published 1864.

11. Life Saver

One reason for Alcibiades’ loyalty to Socrates is the fact that they both served together as soldiers. Socrates is said by Plutarch to have saved Alcibiades’ life at the battles of Potidaea and Delium.

Business handshake.

10. Blame the Student or the Teacher?

Given that Socrates was accused of corrupting the youth of Athens, the example of the opportunistic Alcibiades was fodder for his enemies in court. Historians such as Xenophon and Plutarch go out of their ways to exonerate Socrates from corrupting Alcibiades. They argued that Socrates had tried to cure Alcibiades of his vanity and corruption, but he failed.

Close-Up Of Hand Giving Thumbs Down.

9. Keep Your Heads Down

According to Aristotle, Socrates’ children didn’t turn out very talented when they grew up. In fact, Aristotle was especially salty about the subject, claiming that Socrates’ kids all turned out “silly and dull.” Very harsh, but given what happened to their intellectual father, maybe they were playing it safe?

Cute boy with stack of books in the classroom.getty images

8. Just What the Doctor Ordered

Socrates’ last words vary based on the writer reporting them, but a consistent theme is his reminder to Crito that a rooster must be sacrificed to Asclepius. Asclepius was the son of Apollo and the god of medicine. This ties into the idea that Socrates saw his death as a “cure for Athens’ ailments” since he was the man goading and questioning all that the Athenians believed sacred.

Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy Factsgetty images

7. Facing the End

There is a strong debate about whether Socrates was forced to drink the poison, or whether he willingly chose suicide. Still others give a third argument that it was a bit of column a and column b. Certainly, according to Plato, Socrates was given the chance to escape while he was still imprisoned. Despite the urging of his friends to let them help him escape, Socrates refused. Plato went on to explain his mentor’s reasoning; if Socrates had indeed fled, he would have become a hypocrite who feared death and the punishment of his city. Moreover, his friends would have been punished, and no matter where Socrates went, he would make more enemies and risk death yet again.

Ancient Greece - Socrates drinking the Hemlock.

6. So Where’s the Silver Lining?

Such was Socrates’ reputation in his own lifetime that he was a source for comedic parody. While several caricatures were made about Socrates, the very first was Aristophanes’ The Clouds.

Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy FactsWikimedia Commons

5. He’s Also Terrible in Bed!

Among the satirical aspects of Aristophanes’ play is portraying Socrates as a dangerous influence who teaches his students how to use rhetoric to sneak out of debts. Socrates is also portrayed as ugly and physically unhygienic. Not exactly as flattering as Plato’s writing, that’s for sure!

Sketchy loser. Illustration.

4. Comedy Can Kill

Interestingly, the caricature of Socrates in Aristophanes’ play The Clouds was used as evidence against Socrates in his trial! Not sure that would hold up in court today.

Metal Letters/Words on Rust - 'WHY'

3. Smart and Ugly

Only a few facts are consistently reported in all the sources about Socrates. When it comes to his person, only two traits are agreed on unanimously: Socrates was very intelligent, and he was also very physically unattractive. He allegedly had bulging eyes, an upturned nose, and fat lips. He went around barefoot and gave no thought whatsoever to his clothing. Guess you can't have everything.

Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy Factsflickr

2. Critias the Cruel

One of the more infamous men associated with being a student of Socrates was Critias. Critias was an Athenian writer of prose and elegies. He was also a politician and became one of the Thirty Tyrants. These men were appointed by Sparta to rule Athens after Sparta emerged victorious in the Peloponnesian War, and while they only ruled for eight months, they saw 5% of Athens' population killed. Naturally, Critias’ bloody rule and violent end proved a stain on Socrates’ reputation by association.

Socrates, The Father Of Philosophy FactsWikimedia Commons

1. Repayment of Debts

Say what you will about Critias’ bloody legacy as one of the Thirty Tyrants, but he did remember his mentors when he was in a position of power. Despite their disagreements, Critias made sure to protect Socrates from persecution during the Thirty Tyrants’ reign over Athens.

Critias.

Sources1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 78


More from Factinate

Featured Article

My mom never told me how her best friend died. Years later, I was using her phone when I made an utterly chilling discovery.

Dark Family Secrets

Dark Family Secrets Exposed

Nothing stays hidden forever—and these dark family secrets are proof that when the truth comes out, it can range from devastating to utterly chilling.
April 8, 2020 Samantha Henman

Featured Article

Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark history—or the chilling secret shared by her and Louis.

Madame de Pompadour Facts

Entrancing Facts About Madame de Pompadour, France's Most Powerful Mistress

Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark history—or the chilling secret shared by her and Louis.
December 7, 2018 Kyle Climans

More from Factinate

Featured Article

I tried to get my ex-wife served with divorce papers. I knew that she was going to take it badly, but I had no idea about the insane lengths she would go to just to get revenge and mess with my life.

These People Got Genius Revenges

When someone really pushes our buttons, we'd like to think that we'd hold our head high and turn the other cheek, but revenge is so, so sweet.
April 22, 2020 Scott Mazza

Featured Article

Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIII’s rejected queen—but few people know her even darker history.

Catherine of Aragon Facts

Tragic Facts About Catherine of Aragon, Henry VIII’s First Wife

Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIII’s rejected queen—but very few people know her even darker history.
June 7, 2018 Christine Tran



Dear reader,


Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? We’re always looking for your input! Please reach out to us to let us know what you’re interested in reading. Your suggestions can be as general or specific as you like, from “Life” to “Compact Cars and Trucks” to “A Subspecies of Capybara Called Hydrochoerus Isthmius.” We’ll get our writers on it because we want to create articles on the topics you’re interested in. Please submit feedback to contribute@factinate.com. Thanks for your time!


Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? At Factinate, we’re dedicated to getting things right. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. We want our readers to trust us. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. However, despite our best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. Please let us know if a fact we’ve published is inaccurate (or even if you just suspect it’s inaccurate) by reaching out to us at contribute@factinate.com. Thanks for your help!


Warmest regards,



The Factinate team




Want to learn something new every day?

Join thousands of others and start your morning with our Fact Of The Day newsletter.

Thank you!

Error, please try again.