The oracle simply explained that Socrates is the wisest among all men, and in testing this statement; it is then that he realizes that wisdom consists of knowing that you know nothing. When Socrates explained to these men, many of the highest reputation, that they are not wise, they became very angry. “I think they find an abundance of men who believe they have some knowledge but know little or nothing. The result is that those whom they question are angry, not with themselves but with me. They say: ‘That Socrates is a pestilential fellow who corrupts the young.’” (Apology, 23d). It is easy to establish then, that it was for this reason that many are skeptical about his theory of wisdom. It is difficult for one to understand that they are not wise when they believe that they are, or that they possess some kind of knowledge. When you have been raised and lived your whole life believing that you possess a certain characteristic, it is not easily accepted to think that one man can deny you of that. This is essentially what Socrates did. By claiming that these men were not wise at all, he was forcing these men to accept something that is contrary to what they have been told their entire lives. His motive for telling this story is to gain the trust of the jury and illustrate to them that he speaks nothing but the truth. “I have hidden or disguised nothing. I know well enough that this very conduct makes me unpopular, and this is proof that what I say is true, that such is the slander against me, and that such are its causes.” (Apology, 24a). In gaining the trust and understanding from the jury, he attempts to relieve them of their skepticism of wisdom as he sees it. Socrates finds it easier to defend himself against the later accusations that have been brought upon him. It is much easier to persuade the men of the jury from believing these accusations to be true. This is because they ...
