I know I know nothing

by Ingrid   Oct 25, 2009


As he walked
his legs became numb,
then he laid down
to feel the venom creep up to his heart,
until death followed.
Socrates, the wisest man of Athens.
He, who knew he knew nothing,
for nothing can be known for sure.
Question all..for it is the highest
form of excellence to question
oneself and others.
Sentenced to death,
[by drinking poison]
for corrupting the minds of the youths of Athens
and purposely [ by giving a defiant defense]
for he wished to die,
as he saw it as the cure and freedom
of the soul from the body.

Long did he live...but even longer
his inheritance will live on.

Socrates, Greek philosopher[ 469-399 B.C.], was one of the founding fathers of Western philosophy. He invented the "Socratic Method", a negative method of hypothesis elimination, which resulted in the Scientific Method used to this day[ in which hypothesis is the first stage].

* This poem was written due to a personal challenge made to me by Dixiedaisy ( Kay), to write an historical poem.

Thank you for the challenge, Kay:)

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Latest Comments

  • 9 years ago

    by Ben Pickard

    Read three times and got better with every read. A really good write, Ingrid, and interesting topic.

  • 15 years ago

    by Poet on the Piano

    I can truly say I enjoyed this piece, a couple of weeks ago we learned in World History all about Socrates and we had to research him and everything. Your wording thoroughly described his teachings and ways so well, and how he was thought by others to corrupt the youth of Athens.

    Very well done, a joy to read!

    ~MaryAnne

  • 15 years ago

    by Robert Gardiner

    Nicely Penned, Love the way you Penned this!!!

  • 15 years ago

    by Ray Smallshaw

    Socrates famous last words"Crito, we owe a cock to Asclepius. Please, don't forget to pay the debt." I am sure if he had been born after Jesus Christ he would of been a Christian as he spent his life in search of truth and that is what caused his downfall as you know.
    Your art of poetry reaches new heights every time I read a new poem of yours Ray S

  • 15 years ago

    by Kurt

    *Sigh* After taking philosophy for a quarter I seem to not be able to escape its grasp. This was a great write about a man with an immense impact on modern philosophy. The fact that he debated the pros and cons of whether to escape or stay and die makes him a philosophical martyr. Well written and refreshing.

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