Brittany Hughes takes her readers by the hand and leads them into ancient Athens during its political and cultural peak. Her account covers over seventy years. The purpose of this eventful journey is to discover Socrates.
We are quick to learn that ancient Athens is far from a romantic utopia. Only men with both Athenian parents could be true citizens able to participate in politics, lawmaking and diplomacy. Women and anyone outside the narrow definition of citizen were excluded from public affairs. Further, the leisure to debate, to develop the body beautiful and to take part in the city's great religious and cultural events was only possible because of the tireless work of slaves, servicing citizen households and removing filth from the city. Athenians distrusted most foreigners. They were ruthless colonisers, using the resources of other states to enrich themselves and build their magnificent city. This was the context in which Socrates spent his time debating and developing his philosophy.
Socrates' thought, recorded by interpreters such as Plato as he didn't produce any writing of his own, emphasised the absolute importance of personal freedom. This was individual freedom as distinct from the freedom of the state. He recognised however that such freedom has its dangers - freedom of speech can lead to slander, whilst the absolute freedom of Athenian democracy could lead to a tyranny of the mob. To guard against such dangers Socrates insisted every individual must be truly informed, know themselves, and accept personal responsibility for their decisions and actions. Ultimately then at the heart of being human was the capacity to make choices. This is why, even whilst we strive for answers, all we are left with are questions. Socrates embraced this paradox. It was his irritatingly questioning attitude which led him into fatal conflict with his fellow citizens. Even when on trial for his life Socrates refused to compromise. He stressed he spoke the truth and that it was his accusers who ran from it.
This is a fascinating book packed with intriguing details bringing ancient history alive for today's reader. Hughes makes copious reference to the writings of Socrates contemporaries, but she also draws on findings from current archaeological understandings derived from excavations in Athens and across the Mediterranean.
At the end of our journey Hughes has given her readers a convincing portrait of Socrates in all his complexity, demonstrating how across two thousand five hundred years he continues to be relevant to the modern world.
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