Socrates' Apology

In this meetup we will discuss the Apology of Socrates, who was tried and convicted in 399 BC in one of the most important historical events in world history. It is very curious that the most unique civilization in world history was founded by two people (Socates and Jesus) who were executed for some sort of heresy or what Orwell would call "thoughtcrime". Neither of these people wrote anything on their own behalf, but their disciples left records of their words that have become the source of every new stage of evolution in Western history. Socrates served as his own defense in this trial and his words are so astonishing that it's really hard to clearly define what's going on, and many people smarter than myself have come to conflicting views on them and have taken his life and thoughts as the inspiration for things like science, Christian theology, democracy, classical liberalism, Stoicism, existentialism, critical theory, et cetera. Perhaps someone who attends this meetup will also create some new work of genius which will change world history once again.

I would encourage attendees to read or listen to the Apology, but it's not really necessary to read it if other practical affairs distract you from this, and anyone should be able to benefit from it with the right attitude. I have been very busy of late but reading on my iPhone has made reading much more convenient for me, as has listening to free podcasts of the text itself as well as other reader's discussions. The famous podcast of "The Partially Examined Life" gave me the idea to start with this text and I think they were correct in this choice. The Apology is also on Audible.com and there are many free versions on Kindle, Apple Books, et cetera. I alos recommend the Wikipedia articles on the Apology and the trial itself.