"The Apology" by Xenophon is a historical record from ancient Greece about the trial of Socrates, a well-known philosopher, as told by his student, Xenophon. The book focuses on ideas of fairness, ethics, and Socrates' thoughts on life and death during a troubled time in Athens. Socrates believes that living a virtuous life is the greatest reward, even when facing death. He defends himself against claims that he disrespects the gods and misleads young people, explaining that he has always tried to live honestly and inspire others to do the same. Socrates bravely states that he would rather die than go against his beliefs or beg for his life in a shameful way. Through Socrates' strong attitude and wise ideas, the book becomes a defense of personal honor and a deep look into the meaning of life, death, and real joy.
The Apology
By Xenophon
Watch as a philosopher bravely faces death rather than give up his beliefs, showing that a life of goodness is its own reward.
Summary
About the AuthorXenophon of Athens was a Greek military leader, philosopher, and historian. At the age of 30, he was elected as one of the leaders of the retreating Greek mercenaries, the Ten Thousand, who had been part of Cyrus's attempt to seize control of the Achaemenid Empire. As the military historian Theodore Ayrault Dodge wrote, "the centuries since have devised nothing to surpass the genius of this warrior". Xenophon established precedents for many logistical operations and was among the first to describe strategic flanking maneuvers and feints in combat.
Xenophon of Athens was a Greek military leader, philosopher, and historian. At the age of 30, he was elected as one of the leaders of the retreating Greek mercenaries, the Ten Thousand, who had been part of Cyrus's attempt to seize control of the Achaemenid Empire. As the military historian Theodore Ayrault Dodge wrote, "the centuries since have devised nothing to surpass the genius of this warrior". Xenophon established precedents for many logistical operations and was among the first to describe strategic flanking maneuvers and feints in combat.
More Like This
Explore books similar to the one you're viewing
More by This Author
Discover other books written by the same author
Related by Category
Discover books in the same genre or category
The House of Atreus; Being the Agamemnon, the Libation bearers, and the Furies
By Aeschylus
The Public Orations of Demosthenes, volume 1
By Demosthenes
Myths and Legends of Ancient Greece and Rome
By E. M. Berens
The Tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra
By William Shakespeare
Oedipus King of Thebes Translated into English Rhyming Verse with Explanatory Notes
By Sophocles
The Religion of Ancient Egypt
By W. M. Flinders (William Matthew Flinders) Petrie