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Wise Guy: The Life and Philosophy of Socrates
Greek philosophy for kids
"I know that I know nothing."
With this classic statement, uttered over two thousand years ago, Socrates set the standard for the future of Western philosophy. By day, he soaked up the sun in the Athenian marketplace, where he'd converse for hours on end about the meaning of wisdom, right and wrong, courage, justice, and love. By night, he feasted and danced with friends. He was charming, but not handsome, happy, but not rich. Unfortunately, his method of thinking did not sit well with everyone. In the end, his fellow Athenians punished him with death.
The story of Socrates' life unfolds through cheerful illustrations and a two-tiered text, one layer quite simple, the other full of juicy additional details about the philosopher's life and times. The ending assembles a "School of Athens," showcasing thinkers, from Erasmus to Martin Luther King, Jr., who have been inspired by Socrates' philosophy.
"I know that I know nothing."
With this classic statement, uttered over two thousand years ago, Socrates set the standard for the future of Western philosophy. By day, he soaked up the sun in the Athenian marketplace, where he'd converse for hours on end about the meaning of wisdom, right and wrong, courage, justice, and love. By night, he feasted and danced with friends. He was charming, but not handsome, happy, but not rich. Unfortunately, his method of thinking did not sit well with everyone. In the end, his fellow Athenians punished him with death.
The story of Socrates' life unfolds through cheerful illustrations and a two-tiered text, one layer quite simple, the other full of juicy additional details about the philosopher's life and times. The ending assembles a "School of Athens," showcasing thinkers, from Erasmus to Martin Luther King, Jr., who have been inspired by Socrates' philosophy.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published November 2, 2005
72 people want to read
About the author
M.D. Usher
19 books12 followersI am a UVM alumnus (B.A. in Greek and Latin) and joined the UVM faculty in 2000. Before attending UVM as an undergraduate I apprenticed in Germany as a post-and-beam carpenter. Upon graduation from UVM, I earned my PhD in Classics at The University of Chicago.
I teach courses in Greek and Latin language and in classical civilization. I have also taught in the Integrated Humanities Program, the Teacher-Advisor Program (TAP), and the Honors College. My academic interests include orality studies, Near Eastern influences on classical literature, especially on Greek literature of the archaic period (Homer, Hesiod and the lyric poets), and ancient philosophy (the writings of Plato and Seneca in particular). I am also deeply interested in the reception of classical texts in modern works of art, music, and literature. In addition to publishing books and articles in the field of Classics, I have written an opera libretto (in Latin), original poetry, translations, and children's books. Non-academic interests include carpentry (I built my own house and outbuildings) and farming (my wife Caroline and I own and operate Works & Days Farm in Shoreham and sell market lambs, eggs, and chicken).
I teach courses in Greek and Latin language and in classical civilization. I have also taught in the Integrated Humanities Program, the Teacher-Advisor Program (TAP), and the Honors College. My academic interests include orality studies, Near Eastern influences on classical literature, especially on Greek literature of the archaic period (Homer, Hesiod and the lyric poets), and ancient philosophy (the writings of Plato and Seneca in particular). I am also deeply interested in the reception of classical texts in modern works of art, music, and literature. In addition to publishing books and articles in the field of Classics, I have written an opera libretto (in Latin), original poetry, translations, and children's books. Non-academic interests include carpentry (I built my own house and outbuildings) and farming (my wife Caroline and I own and operate Works & Days Farm in Shoreham and sell market lambs, eggs, and chicken).
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 28, 2017
A cartoon-style picture book of the life of Socrates aimed at readers ages 7-10 that is both humorous and informative. There was a nice blend of anecdotes and facts to keep it interesting. I'd recommend reading this with kids as a nice introductory to Socrate's life.
February 27, 2020
This picture book is a good mix of interesting biographical information, amusing illustrations and introductory explanations of philosophy. I took turns reading pages aloud with my six-year-old at the end of her first grade study of Ancient Greece and we both really enjoyed it.
January 25, 2018
A great book for kids to get exposed to the ideas of Socrates. My 9 year old really enjoyed it and it got him thinking,
November 23, 2019
Read for Ellie AO Y6 studying the Greeks. Trying to make history more alive for Ellie. This was a really good book! I even had to cp some quotes...krb 11/22/19
November 6, 2020
This is a nice, short book about the Greek philosopher Socrates. It's educational about Socrates as well as Ancient Greece.
June 11, 2015
Simple text for younger students is paralleled by detailed explanations of Socrates daily activities, the Greek culture in which he lived and his basic ideas for older students. I love the format. Fun illustrations complement the real learning.
The book ends with a gentle treatment of Socrates death (with details about his trial for the older students), reference to many individuals influenced by Socrates and notes on sources for this text, as well as recommendations for future study.
Parents should be aware that a prayer of Socrates to the god Pan is recounted, as well as references to the Greek gods worshiped at the time.
The main message is an exhortation to keep asking questions and not take for granted what you know or don't know. Highly recommended as an introduction for children to philosophy generally and Socrates specifically. A great asset to an educational model that attempts to use Socratic discussion to stimulate thinking.
The book ends with a gentle treatment of Socrates death (with details about his trial for the older students), reference to many individuals influenced by Socrates and notes on sources for this text, as well as recommendations for future study.
Parents should be aware that a prayer of Socrates to the god Pan is recounted, as well as references to the Greek gods worshiped at the time.
The main message is an exhortation to keep asking questions and not take for granted what you know or don't know. Highly recommended as an introduction for children to philosophy generally and Socrates specifically. A great asset to an educational model that attempts to use Socratic discussion to stimulate thinking.
February 23, 2008
The life and philosophies of Socrates are simplified here for young readers in picture book format. On the verso of each spread are interesting bits of his life in story format; on the recto appears a scroll containing more detailed information about Greek society and Socrates’ philosophies. Despite the abrupt and unexplained shift from the pictured Socrates as a child to an adult, the cartoonish illustrations are lively and engaging.While the study of Socrates isn’t included in most curricula, this book is written at a level understandable by upper elementary students and is an entertaining initiation to the ancient philosopher for teachers and parents who would like to introduce their students to Socrates’ particular way of thinking.
June 25, 2012
Another biography but not as well done as the others we have read. The illustrations were a little too "cartoony" and strange for me and the presentation and layout of text were a little scattered and hard to read in a meaningful stream. But I did certainly learn some interesting things about this philosopher and it has peaked my curiousity to study a little more about his life!
February 6, 2016
We-my thirteen and eight year old and I-loved it. I liked the simplicity of explanations of difficult concepts of Philosophy and the illustrations were wonderful. These are really important concepts to lead an examined life. Very important for the complete education of children and adults.
November 11, 2009
I bomb atomically,
Socrates Philosiphies and Hypotheses can't define how I be dropping these mockeries,
Lyrically performed armed robberies, flee with the lottery possibly they slaguhter me.
Socrates Philosiphies and Hypotheses can't define how I be dropping these mockeries,
Lyrically performed armed robberies, flee with the lottery possibly they slaguhter me.
June 20, 2011
This biography would be great for gifted kids to introduce them to philosophy. Funny illustrations!
June 25, 2012
Great introduction to this timeless philospher... adults may enjoy it as a refresher course...
August 9, 2012
Nice intro to Socrates.
February 25, 2014
Great read. It provides Socrates philosophies in easy to understand language. Great review for adults. Enjoy
January 19, 2017
Fun overview of Socrates' life and teaching.
September 3, 2011
a great historical story of socrates and his influence on history and thought
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews