One of the greatest philosophers in world history, although he never wrote a single philosophical treatise in his entire life. A recognized sage (the Delphic Oracle himself declared him the wisest of men!), who told everyone: “I know nothing.” A poor man of ugly appearance, constantly surrounded by a crowd of admirers - noble and rich young handsome men. A deeply religious man, but sentenced to death on official charges of atheism. This is Socrates. Everyone has probably heard about him, and his biography is well known. However, his activities and largely paradoxical teachings give rise to many mysteries. In a book about the famous Athenian, a specialist in ancient history and philosophy, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Igor Surikov, makes an attempt to lift the veil of secrecy over the complex and contradictory figure of the hero. Although the personality of Socrates will forever remain incomprehensible in some ways. CONTENTS: Familiar and mysterious 5 The many faces of Socrates 15 The son of a stonemason and a midwife 38 The path to philosophy 57 Circle of interlocutors I - sophists 77 Circle of interlocutors II - friends, students, fellow travelers 96 Socrates and Alcibiades 121 “The Athenian strongman” 136 Art of dialogue a 150Socratic irony 169Daemonius - the divine voice 182Over the abyss of the Sphinx 200Socrates and the state 219In difficult times 239Socrates and the “Thirty Tyrants” 275The trial of the troublemaker 287The last days, the last hours 312The “Pagan Christ” and his apostles 331Socrates in the centuries 342Notes 350Main dates related with the life and work of Socrates 362 Brief bibliography 364