Socrates, a classical Greek philosopher who made a huge impact on Western logic and philosophy, was born around 470 BC, in Athens, Greece.

Although we know little about his life beyond the information recorded by his students like Plato, what we do know makes it clear that he had a unique and powerful philosophy and personality.

Socrates was son of Sophroniscus, a stone mason and sculptor, and Phaenarete, a midwife.

Because he was not from an aristocratic family, he most likely received a basic Greek education and learned his father’s craft at a young age before devoting his life to philosophy. He married Xanthippe and together they had three sons—Lamprocles, Sophroniscus and Menexenus.

Socrates believed that philosophy had the potential to cause greater well-being in society.

He aimed to establish an ethical system based on human reason by pointing out that our choices were motivated by the desire for happiness, and that wisdom comes from introspection.

While some Athenians admired Socrates’ challenges to conventional Greek wisdom, many felt he threatened a way of life that had persisted for generations. When the political climate of Greece turned, Socrates was sentenced to death by hemlock poisoning in 399 BC and accepted his judgment.
Link: Socrates Quotes