The Role of the Intellectual in Society

When we think of intellectuals, the name that comes first to our mind is Socrates who had to face martyrdom simply because of the fact that he had spoken against truth. He regarded wisdom as the greatest wealth. The Athenian Society could not forgive him for challenging their age-old beliefs. At length he was accused of not worshipping the gods and of corrupting the youth. The court found him guilty and he was condemned to death. His friends advised him to escape but he refused to do so. He wanted to die as a law-abiding Athenian. His manner and language were noble and fearless even in the hour of death. For Socrates knowledge is virtue and ignorance is vice. He considered “an uncircumcised life is not worth-living”. He said truth is beautiful and enduring. According to Will Durant, Socrates felt himself rich in poverty and was a model of moderation and self-control. Plato said that he was the wisest, justest and the best of all the men whom he had every known. His contribution to philosophy is very great.