Socrates if the General Consensus

Socrates

If the general consensus about Socrates' life is to be believed -- despite the lack of concrete evidence available and the existence of many interpretations (the "Socratic Problem") -- he did indeed live up to his teachings. He apparently believed very strongly in principles that were central driving forces in his own life -- virtue, justice, community and the pursuit of knowledge -- leading him to acts of tremendous bravery.

For example, Socrates was a great warrior, brave in battle and boldly confronting danger in order to protect his people (Woods). This selfless devotion to the greater good of his community would also mark the end of his life, when Socrates refused to attempt escape from the punishment of death because it was decided by the law of his people (Nails). Socrates also proved his bravery and selfless devotion to justice and the law on two earlier occasions when he risked his life to go against political command, by: "refusing to allow the assembly to try together a number of generals accused of failing to rescue survivors. Under the law, they were entitled to individual trials. The other was during the rule of the Thirty, who tried to involve Socrates in their reign by ordering him to arrest someone unjustly. He went home instead. Fortunately, the tyranny did not last much longer" (Nails).

In addition, Socrates preached his philosophy by asking questions and admitting that even he did not know the answers (Biography Online). Although many people were offended because his inquiries put into question their morality, Socrates never preached to people that he was wiser, only that he was wiser because he recognized his own lack of wisdom (Biography Online). Moreover, he was considered the "gadfly" of Greek politics because his persistent questioning of the practices of Athenians ultimately led to his assassination (Woods).

Socrates did indeed live a life similar to Jesus, with no concern for ambition or material wealth. After the Oracle proclaimed him the "wisest" or most "virtuous," he refused to give up his quest to enlighten his fellow man about the rightful pursuit of a better soul (Nails). His humility, focus on love and virtue, and selfless devotion in the face of persecution make him an example of "practicing what you preach" (Woods). He "embraced poverty" and refused to accept money for his "teachings" (Nails). Moreover, Socrates could be considered more "innocent and wide-eyed" than Jesus because he refused to believe that anyone had evil intentions, only that evil actions sprung from ignorance. He also believed that people were born virtuous, and therefore did not worry so much about the upbringing of his own sons.

Socrates had various other unusual beliefs that set him apart, and that he stuck by in deed as well as word. For example, he believed in the superiority of oral communication for accurately conveying information; as a result, he never authored any writings, leaving it to Plato and others to attest to the history of his philosophy. In addition, he was highly eccentric in appearance and mannerisms, blatantly ugly and unconcerned with vanity (Nails).