Wise Guy: The Life and Philosophy of Socrates

Greek philosophy for kids

“I know that I know nothing.”

With this classic statement, uttered over two thousand years ago, Socrates set the standard for the future of Western philosophy. By day, he soaked up the sun in the Athenian marketplace, where he’d converse for hours on end about the meaning of wisdom, right and wrong, courage, justice, and love. By night, he feasted and danced with friends. He was charming, but not handsome, happy, but not rich. Unfortunately, his method of thinking did not sit well with everyone. In the end, his fellow Athenians punished him with death.

The story of Socrates’ life unfolds through cheerful illustrations and a two-tiered text, one layer quite simple, the other full of juicy additional details about the philosopher’s life and times. The ending assembles a “School of Athens,” showcasing thinkers, from Erasmus to Martin Luther King, Jr., who have been inspired by Socrates’ philosophy.