Philosopher · 470 BC – 399 BC

Socrates

Little-Known Facts

  • Socrates served as a hoplite soldier and was praised for his courage at the Battle of Potidaea.
  • He claimed to be guided by an inner 'daimonion', a divine warning voice.

Myths & Misconceptions

Did Socrates write any books?

No. Everything we know about Socrates comes from others — chiefly Plato and Xenophon — which is known as 'the Socratic problem'.