Socrates

Socrates was a great Greek philosopher and was born in 470 BC in Athens. He discovered the presence of the one and only God and decided to guide people to this holy path. He publicized his ideas through discussions and dialogues. He was killed through drinking hemlock poison (This will be further discussed in detail later in the article). Why? Because he propagated a new God (monotheism or the one and only God). It was said that Socrates brought philosophy from the sky to the land; i.e. he simplified it.

He was two-sided at his time; he was loved by some people and hated by others. Some who did not know him hated him and he was loved by those who knew him.

His father, Sophroniscus, was a sculptor and a stone carver. He was the person who made the statue of Hermes.

Hermes, the son of Zeus, was born in a cave on a mountain situated south of Academia. Some myths name him as the god of thieves or the god of travellers.

(Please accept that we are quoting their statements; this does not have anything to do with our belief in the oneness of God.) His statue stood at intersections in the form of a cylinder, the top half of which resembled humans and a number of sheep revolved around it.

Those who believed in god of species considered him like their god; i.e. the centre of all blessings. Sometimes the word ‘Hermes’ refers to the first day of each solar month.

Sometimes it refers to the name of the prophet Enoch and to the name of a king who had knowledge of philosophy, mathematics, arithmetic, geometry and astronomy.

She was a midwife in a hospital and through her fiery and strong statement which follows formed the basis of Socrates’ life which is forever eternal:

What she means by being a man is to make the world take notice of you through good deeds. Making a man means being a teacher at any level of the levels of science; whether at primary levels or secondary or the highest level of education, the ceiling of which is called university.

Sometimes people would ask Socrates which job he would like to have and he would reply: the same as my mother. They would then say, “But she is a midwife!” and he would reply, “I do not want to deliver people’s babies, I want to deliver people’s beliefs.”

His feet were bare, his head was hatless and he had a torn or half-torn garment on and would sometimes cover his head. His slippers had a bottom but did not have a cover.

Some people asked him, “Why do you not have shoes and a hat?” He replied, “Can I live without shoes and a hat or not?” They replied, “Yes, you can.”

He said: Therefore, it is better not to engage yourself in these unnecessary things. I have come to this conclusion that to any extent I cut myself away from imperfections, I will become closer to perfections.

He would say: The closer man gets to perfection, his dependence on others becomes less (Professor Ali Mosavi: This is in fact the truth).

Socrates said: You enjoy things which I do not. You enjoy excess wealth and I take pleasure in not having it.

When he would start thinking about a subject he would forget the whole world and whatever is in it. He would become still like a person who is affected by gravity.

Try to tolerate what is unavoidable with dignity, so that you will be fruitful since with anxiety you can not be fruitful.

Speaking thoughtlessly is a mistake. If you are thoughtful then you may talk.

He considered the basis of morals to be monotheism and wisdom. One whose belief in God’s singleness is strong will have stronger morals too.

Can high-walled prisons silence the mysticism and knowledge which is hidden in the hearts?

Socrates was imprisoned. Why? Because the government of the time feared he might cause disruption.

While he was in prison, the learned and scientists were engrossed by him and adored him. Some of the people who were enthusiastic for his knowledge rushed to him eagerly when they heard he was imprisoned.

He would move from beside one tree to another like a peripatetic and would teach till eventually the rulers of his time convicted him to drinking hemlock poison.

He replied: I have made an agreement with my God that whatever event comes upon me, I will open my lips and not close my eyes.

He had 25 superior students. Socrates’ death sentence terrified them. However, Socrates said:

I have created many Socrateses, therefore, there should be no fear of my death and you are the same as me!

He had no script. His sayings would pass on by word of mouth. At the start of the Christian era; i.e. around 400 years after the death of Socrates, his viewpoints were gathered in the form of writings and were taught and are even now taught in universities and scientific centers.

At the time when he was going to be killed with the hemlock poison, a young boy entered panting and said: Professor, I bring good tidings; I have asked my father to set you free. My request from my father was for him to ask the governing board who issued your death sentence to give me the poison instead of you and they have accepted my request. Therefore, I will now bestow my life to you, oh professor, and I will drink the poison instead of you so that the doors of the prison will become open to you!

Because your presence saves the whole world and hearts from darkness and instead creates sparks and lights. Your being is a jewel whose existence is more beautiful and more worthy than a creature such as me who has not reached the level you have.

This event warns the world that the value of existence of true scientists and those who have been selected in knowledge is at the highest point of magnificence and greatness.

Socrates said: (His statement is disputed; some say he was 73 and some say 83) Do you know that I am 73 years old and during my life I have benefited from the privileges of law? It was law that bestowed peace and calmness upon me. Therefore, law is sacred for Socrates. Now the same law has issued a sentence against Socrates and if you drink the poison instead of me, the power of law will diminish.

Therefore, you remain and I ask God for you to become fruitful and effective.