Apology

​From among these, Meletus also attacked me, as did Anytus and Lycon; Meletus being vexed on behalf of the poets, Anytus on behalf of the artisans and the politicians, and Lycon on behalf of the rhetoricians. So that, as I said at the beginning, I should be surprised if I were able to rid you of this slander in so short a time, which has grown to be so great. This is the truth for you, men of Athens, and I speak without hiding anything from you, whether great or small, and without holding anything back. And yet I know well enough that I make myself hated by these very things, which is also a proof that I speak the truth, and that this is the slander against me, and these are the causes. And whether you investigate these things now or later, you will find it to be so. As for the charges which my first accusers brought against me, let this be a sufficient defense before you. Next, I shall try to defend myself against Meletus, that ‘good and patriotic man,’ as he says, and those who came after. For once more, since these are different accusers, let us take up their sworn deposition in turn. It is somewhat as follows: it says that Socrates does injustice by corrupting the youth, and by not believing in the gods in whom the city believes, but in other strange spiritual things. The charge indeed is of this kind; let us examine each part of this charge. For he says indeed that I do injustice by corrupting the youth. But I, men of Athens, say that Meletus does injustice, because he plays in earnest, easily bringing men to trial, pretending to care for and be concerned about things for which he has never cared at all. And that this is so, I shall try to show you also. Socrates: Come here, Meletus, and tell me: is it not the case that you care most of all that the youth shall be as good as possible? Meletus: I do. Socrates: Come then, tell these men, who makes them better? For it is clear that you know, since it is a care to you. For having found the one who corrupts them, as you say—me—you bring me before these men and accuse me. But come, tell them and point out to them who it is that makes them better. —Do you see, Meletus, that you are silent and have nothing to say? And yet does it not seem shameful to you, and a sufficient proof of what I say, that you have not cared at all? But tell me, my good man, who makes them better? Meletus: The laws. Socrates: But I am not asking this, most excellent man, but what person, who first of all knows this very thing, the laws? Meletus: These men, Socrates, the jurymen. Socrates: How do you mean, Meletus? Are these men able to educate the youth and make them better? Meletus: Yes, indeed. Socrates: All of them, or some of them, and others not? Meletus: All of them. Socrates: Well said, by Hera, and you speak of a great abundance of those who are helpful.