Apologie. Kriton

Plato, 427-347 B.C., came from a noble family and is one of the most important Greek philosophers. He was decisively influenced by his teacher Socrates. After his death, he went on a journey, but his hopes of realizing his ideal state in Syracuse failed. After his return, he founded his school of philosophy, the Academy, in Athens.

Apology of Socrates: What effect, men of Athens, my accusers have had on you, I do not know. For under their impression, I almost forgot myself; they spoke so captivatingly. However, they did not tell the truth for a moment. But what amazed me most about all the lies they told was that they thought you should be careful and not be deceived by me: I am a dangerous speaker. For not to be ashamed of being immediately refuted by the facts from me - for if it turns out that I am not a bit dangerous - that seemed to me to be their greatest impudence, unless they name the one dangerous speaker who tells the truth. For if that is what they mean, then I am prepared to admit that I am a master of speech, even if not in their terms. So, I think they have said practically no true word, but from me, you will now hear the whole truth - not, by God, you men of Athens, with beautiful speeches, which, like those of them there, come up with artfully turned words and phrases; rather, you will hear what comes to my mind, in unsearched expressions (for I am convinced that I am right in this matter), and none of you may expect anything else from me. It would be strange, men, if someone my age, as if he were a boy, were to appear before you with artistry. For, however, you men of Athens, I would like to emphatically request this: when you hear that I defend myself with similar expressions as I use on the market for the changer disc.