Accusation Quote by Socrates
“There are a great many of these accusers, and they have been accusing me now for a great many years, and what is more, they approached you at the most impressionable age, when some of you were children or adolescents; and literally won their case by default, because there was no one to defend me.”
About This Quote
Source Dialogue: Apology by Plato, 399 BC
Socrates describes being long‑accused by many, especially targeting youths, and winning by default because no one defended him.
In simple terms: He was accused by many, especially young people, and won because no one defended him.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the power of speaking up for truth.
Themes
justice
defense
public opinion
youth
authority
Mood
defiant
reflective
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- courtroom
- school
- media
- political debate
- online forums
Key Concepts
Socratic method
social pressure
legal default
Questions to Reflect On
- Who would you defend when truth is unpopular?
- How does silence enable injustice?
A Different Perspective
Accusers may be motivated by bias or fear, not truth.
![“...[T]hese people... are my dangerous accusers; because those who hear them suppose that anyone who inquires into such matters... theories about the heavens... and everything below the earth... must be an atheist.” quote by Socrates](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/522/socrates-405_inquiry_t-hese-people-are-my-dangerous-accusers_1521273.jpg)
