Socrates had many disciples, and the greatest of these was Plato. Plato wrote many books which have come down to us, and it is from these books that we know a great deal about his master, Socrates. Evidently governments do not like people who are always trying to find out things: they do not like the search for truth. The Athenian Government- this was just after the time of Pedicles- did not like the method of Socrates, and they held a trial and condemn him to death. They told him that if he promised to give up his discussion with people and changed his ways they would let him off. But he refused to do so, and preferred the cup of poison which brought death, to giving up what he considered his duty. When on the point of death, he addressed his accusers and judges and said,
" If you propose to acquit me on condition that I abandon my search for truth, I will say: 'I thank you, O Athenians, but I will obey God, who, as I believe, set me this task, rather than you; and as long as I have breath and strength I will never cease from my occupation with philosophy. I will continue the practice of accosting whomever I meet and saving to him. "Are you not ashamed of setting your heart on wealth and honours while you have no care for wisdom and truth and making your soul better?" I know not what death is- it may be a good thing, and I am not afraid of it. But I do know what it is a bad thing to desert one's post, and I prefer what may be good to what I know to be bad".

Q. Why was Socrates condemned to death by his government?
A. The government of Athens did not like his way of searching for truth and finding out things and ultimately discussing it with people to change their minds.

Q. On what condition was the government willing to let him go?
A. The condition was that if he change his ways of discussing his findings with people and don't make them find the truth he thought to be right.

Q. What was Socrates reaction to that offer?
A. He refused the offer completely and preferred death rather than changing his views and ways which he thought were his duties as a philosopher, and a task set by God for him.

Q. What did Socrates consider his duty to people?
A. He considered it was his duty to make everybody known to the truth and save them, that wealth and honors are not the ultimate goals rather it is wisdom and truth that makes the souls better.