Socrates told his countrymen that everyone must learn to think for himself so that by using his reason he would have the power to see what was right, just, true and beautiful, and so shape his own conduct. But although many people loved the old man and delighted in his wisdom, there were some who did not approve of him. His ideas seemed to some people a new wicked idea. These people thought that he was leading the young astray. During the trial, Socrates made a powerful and dignified speech. The judges listened to him, questioned him and condemned him to death. The old man made no complaint.
