Socrates

Early Life

Socrates was born a very long time ago in Athens, a city in ancient Greece. Athens was known for learning, art, and new ideas. Socrates grew up in a simple family and learned to appreciate hard work and honesty.

As a young man, Socrates was curious about everything. He wanted to understand what it meant to live a good life and be a good person. These questions stayed with him his whole life.

A Teacher Who Asked Questions

Socrates did not teach in a classroom like teachers today. Instead, he talked with people in markets, streets, and public places. He believed the best way to learn was by asking questions and thinking together.

He often asked questions like, “What is kindness?” or “What is fairness?” By asking many questions, he helped people think more carefully about their answers. This way of learning is now called the **Socratic Method**.

Ideas That Changed Thinking

Socrates believed that learning never ends. He famously said that knowing you still have things to learn is a kind of wisdom. This showed that it is okay not to have all the answers.

He also believed that being honest, fair, and kind was more important than being rich or famous. His ideas helped people focus on being good on the inside, not just on the outside.

His Students and Legacy

Socrates never wrote books. Everything we know about him comes from his students, especially a famous student named Plato. Plato wrote stories and conversations that shared Socrates’ ideas with the world.

Because of these writings, Socrates became one of the most important thinkers in history. His ideas helped shape philosophy, which is the study of big questions about life and knowledge.

Why Socrates Still Matters

Today, Socrates is remembered as a hero of thinking and learning. Teachers still use his question-asking method in schools around the world.

Socrates teaches us that asking questions, being curious, and trying to be kind and fair are wonderful ways to live.