Socrates was a Classical Greek philosopher. Credited as one of the founders of Western philosophy, he is an enigmatic figure known only through the classical accounts of his students like Plato.

The Memorable Thoughts of Socrates

by Xenophon
Edited by Henry Morley

BOOK I. CHAPTER I. 

SOCRATES NOT A CONTEMNER OF THE GODS OF HIS COUNTRY, NOR AN INTRODUCER OF NEW ONES.

I have often wondered by what show of argument the accusers of Socrates could persuade the Athenians he had forfeited his life to the State.  For though the crimes laid unto his charge were indeed great–"That he did not acknowledge the gods of the Republic; that he introduced new ones"–and, farther, "had debauched the youth;" yet none of these could, in the least, be proved against him.

Continue Reading Here.