This page aims to make learning about Socrates as easy as possible by bringing together the best articles, podcasts, and videos from across the internet onto one page. To get started, simply choose one of the resources listed below, or browse a selection of key quotes by Socrates at the bottom of the page.

Encyclopedia Articles

This section features articles from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy and the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. The SEP is probably the most comprehensive online philosophy resource. It features in-depth articles on a huge number of philosophical topics, however, it is aimed at an academic audience and may be too detailed and technical for beginners. The IEP is generally more beginner-friendly but is also considered to be less reliable. Wikipedia is also an option, but it is much less reliable than either of these.

Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy

Articles

This section features short articles written by professional philosophers and aimed at a general audience. These articles are ideal for anyone looking for a shorter or more beginner-friendly introduction to Socrates than the encyclopedia articles listed above.

Aeon

The Conversation

Epoché Magazine

The New York Times (The Stone)

The Guardian

Podcasts

This section features episodes from leading philosophy podcasts. These are also aimed at a general audience and are a good option for beginners who prefer audio content.

The History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps

Philosophy Bites

In Our Time

The Philosopher’s Zone

Short Videos (<30 mins)

This section features short videos aimed at beginners.

Academy of Ideas

University of Edinburgh

Lectures/Longer Videos (>30 mins)

This section features longer videos and lectures.

Course Syllabi

See this page for course syllabi on Socrates.

Books

See this list of the best books on Socrates.

Courses

Socrates – Allan Bloom | U. Chicago

Quotes

This section features a selection of key quotes by Socrates.

The unexamined life is not worth living.

– as quoted in Plato, Apology, 28A, trans. Benjamin Jowett

He, O men, is the wisest, who, like Socrates, knows that his wisdom is in truth worth nothing.

– as quoted in Plato, Apology, 23B, trans. Benjamin Jowett

I do nothing but go about persuading you all, old and young alike, not to take thought for your persons or your properties, but first and chiefly to care about the greatest improvement of the soul. I tell you that virtue is not given by money, but that from virtue comes money and every other good of man, public as well as private.

– as quoted in Plato, Apology, 30B, trans. Benjamin Jowett

The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our ways—I to die, and you to live. Which is better God only knows.

– as quoted in Plato, Apology, 42A, trans. Benjamin Jowett

[on looking at an expensive shop] How many things I can do without!

– as quoted in Diogenes Laertius, Lives of the Eminent Philosophers, II, 25, trans. Robert Drew Hicks

No man voluntarily pursues evil, or that which he thinks to be evil. To prefer evil to good is not in human nature; and when a man is compelled to chose one of two evils, no one will choose the greater when he may have the less.

– as quoted in Plato, Protagoras, 358C, trans. W.R.M. Lamb

If you are wise, all men will be your friends and kindred, for you will be useful and good; but if you are not wise, neither father, nor mother, nor kindred; nor anyone else, will be your friends.

– as quoted in Plato, Lysis, 210B, trans. Benjamin Jowett

We ought not to retaliate or render evil for evil to anyone, whatever evil we may have suffered from him.

– as quoted in Plato, Crito, 49C, trans. Benjamin Jowett

Not life, but a good life, is to be chiefly valued

– as quoted in Plato, Crito, 48C, trans. Benjamin Jowett

To do is more disgraceful than to suffer injustice.

– as quoted in Plato, Gorgias, 489B, trans. Benjamin Jowett

The Daily Idea aims to make learning about philosophy as easy as possible by bringing together the best philosophy resources from across the internet. To get started, check out this organized collection of 400+ articles, podcasts, and videos on a wide range of philosophical topics.

A Collection of the Greatest Philosophical Quotations

A History of Western Philosophy in 500 Essential Quotations is a collection of the greatest thoughts from history’s greatest thinkers. Featuring classic quotations by Aristotle, Epicurus, David Hume, Friedrich Nietzsche, Bertrand Russell, Michel Foucault, and many more, A History of Western Philosophy in 500 Essential Quotations is ideal for anyone looking to quickly understand the fundamental ideas that have shaped the modern world.

View on Amazon

Follow The Daily Idea on Facebook and Twitter for updates.