This speech of Socrates, delivered in 399 BC, comes from Plato's Apology- (defence) and is Plato's account of the speech Socrates gave to the court established to hear a case for Socrates' execution on the grounds that he had failed to worship the Athenian Gods, rejected democracy and corrupted the morals of the young. His accusers consisted of Meletus, a poet, Anytus, a rich master tanner and Lycon an orator who represented the rhetoricians and intellectuals. He says in the speech he is doing God's bidding and has always been ethical in what he has done. Interestingly, after he is found guilty he stands to speak again and invokes the wrath of the jury by stating that young men will always listen to his worthy words. For this he is given the death penalty. Again he speaks and is reconciled by the words of the title.

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Socrates was...