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Socrates was the ancient "man of questions" who walked through the markets of Ancient Athens and perplexed the citizens. He wrote not a single line, but changed the world with his dialectical method—the art of asking uncomfortable questions to uncover the truth.

"Know thyself" and "I know that I know nothing." For him, this was not a reason for doubt but a starting point for a sincere search. He considered his mission to be a "gadfly," stinging the lazy "horse"—Athenian society—so that it would not fall into complacency.

In 399 BC, the 70-year-old philosopher was tried for "corrupting the youth" and "impiety." In reality, the authorities could not forgive his criticism and influence. At the trial, he did not seek to defend himself or plead for mercy, but delivered his famous speech on the duty to truth.

He was sentenced to death by poison (hemlock). His students urged him to escape, but he refused, preferring to die by the laws of the polis rather than live by betraying his principles. His last dialogue with friends about the immortality of the soul became legend.

Moral: seek the truth, verify facts, and do not follow the crowd. True value lies not in hype but in honesty and knowledge.