It was in one of Plato’s works on Socrates that he describes the latter as a ‘gadfly’ of Athens (A gadfly is a person who upsets the status quo by posing upsetting or novel questions, or just being an irritant). None of Socrates’ writings have prevailed and it was by the works of his student Plato that further generations came to know of his philosophical ideas. He believed, as a loyal citizen of Athens, it was his duty to pinpoint the shortcomings in their way of life, even if it questioned the beliefs that have been adhered to for centuries. And his trial was probably a frail attempt at diverting the attention of masses from the political scenario.ĭespite being counseled otherwise, Socrates decided to stand up against the prevailing norms of politics and society. His growing stature and his audacious nature brewed dissent among many of the oligarchs. Socrates seemed to be a convenient distraction from the impending economic mess. It was never able to restore its fallen pride and prosperity after accepting the subjugation by Sparta. Entire Greece had to bear the brunt of the Peloponnesian War but Athens was struggling the most. The failures of the democratic government had sowed the seeds of doubts in the minds of the common man, who began pondering if such a political ideology was befitting for the country.
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