Exemplification Essay: The Wisdom Of Socrates

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Socrates had an interesting view on what wisdom was. Various times, Socrates claimed that he was ignorant and lacked wisdom. Socrates even goes as far to say that he has reached for someone far wiser than him, but failed to find such a wise person. It is clear that Socrates is in fact wise and knows may things. During his trial, Socrates brought up his accusations. He claims that his wisdom is that of any human being, limited. His prosecutors claim that through prophecy, there is no man wiser than Socrates himself. Socrates being Socrates, questions if he really is the wisest man. What is Socrates trying to prove? What is trying to present to the people? When Socrates talks of “wisdom” and or a lack of pretense, he means that sometimes someone …show more content…

He was hated by the people he embarrassed but adored by the young. In their eyes, he was a man who tested the law and the way of life. The Athenians saw Socrates as a problem, a danger because of the wisdom he was passing on to the younger generation. During trial, Meletus accuses Socrates of being a bad influence to the youth of Athens. Meletus, uses this accusation to prosecute Socrates. Socrates proves his point by stating that one who has knowledge on a specific area cannot go on to teach on another area where he has no knowledge. Socrates uses a horse analogy to explain to the jury that Meletus’ comment was ignorant and extremely unwise. Meletus states that everyone but socrates was a good influence to the youth. Socrates continues to question Meletus and his other accusers over the course of his trail. He proves that they are not as wise as they think they are. This causes him to have more young followers and those whom he embarrassed, hate him even more. He brings to light the ignorance of those around him, proving that no matter how much wisdom you think you have, you can be equally ignorant. True wisdom is realizing that you dont know it

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