🧠 Socrates on Truth, Wisdom, and Death — Plato’s “Apology” Explained

Plato's "Apology," documents the defense speech given by Socrates during his trial in ancient Athens. In his address, Socrates contrasts his honest and straightforward manner of speaking with the manipulative rhetoric of his accusers, declaring that his only wisdom lies in recognizing his own ignorance. He refutes both the long-standing rumors against him—such as being a corrupt sophist—and the official charges of corrupting the youth and disbelieving in the gods.

Throughout the speech, Socrates presents himself as a divine messenger or “gadfly” whose mission is to awaken Athens to the pursuit of virtue, self-knowledge, and moral integrity over material success. In the end, he accepts his death sentence with calm reasoning, suggesting that death may not be an evil but perhaps a transition to greater understanding.