INTRODUCTION“The death of Socrates has had an enormous and almost continuous impact on Western culture” (Wilson 1). Socrates' life, trial, and death are all important parts of the story. Socrates was a philosopher from Athens who believed in using reason to explain different aspects of life. Throughout his life, he sought to not only help develop his own mind and understanding of life, but also those around him. He often tried to teach teenagers and get them to use their minds. Socrates enjoyed teaching children because their minds were still open and they were willing to learn. However, his opinions varied from those of most people around him. He was put on trial because others didn't like his methods. He was eventually executed. Socrates had the courage to be different and marked the beginning of Western philosophy. His trial was one of the first of its kind and is the first recorded trial in which someone was sentenced to death because of his beliefs. “Plato tells us that Socrates compared himself to a horsefly, whose stings are necessary to keep a sleepy horse awake” (Wilson 3). Socrates wanted himself, along with the people around him, to always be aware of life and better understand what he has to offer. Socrates may have been killed for his beliefs, but his ideas and life are not forgotten. They still serve as a source of learning for us today. Throughout his life, until the time of his death, he did his best to help the people around him. He wanted them to think and make correct moral decisions “Athens, one of the first democracies in the world, raised Socrates, educated him and finally sentenced him to death, after finding him guilty of having reli...... middle of paper ...... the youth of Athens and not properly venerating the gods of Athens. His tracks and his death not only they constitute an example for those who lived 2,400 years ago, but also for those who live in the present. He is an important figure in history. “The death of Socrates has had an enormous and almost continuous impact on Western culture” (Wilson 11). “We rely on the sun to see and live. Just as life is impossible without it, says Socrates, so we cannot live without goodness” (Usher 17). Socrates is still a great example for us today. Even though he wrote nothing, he is still considered probably the greatest philosopher in the history of the world. His ideas and understandings of life and its aspects are unique. Even though he was not supported by his pillars, he still stood up for what he believed was right. Socrates remained confident in his beliefs until the end of his life.