For renowned Stoicism writer Donald Robertson, the answer is crystal clear: Plato’s Apology.
With over 130,000 views on his captivating video discussing this work, Robertson reveals why this short yet profound text is the ultimate introduction to philosophy—and why it still resonates thousands of years later.
In this article, we’ll dive into a Plato’s Apology summary, answer the question “What is Plato’s Apology about?,” and uncover the timeless lessons it offers about courage, mortality, and the pursuit of virtue in ancient Athens. Let’s explore why this ancient text might just be the one book you need to read.
Why Donald Robertson Recommends Plato’s Apology
In a recent interview, Donald Robertson makes a bold claim: Plato’s Apology is the only book he recommends to everyone, no exceptions. While he’s hesitant to suggest books broadly without knowing someone personally, The Apology stands alone as a universal must-read. Here’s why:
- It’s Short and Sweet: At just a few hours’ read, The Apology is concise and approachable. You don’t need a philosophy degree to get it—just an open mind. You can find a free version to read at MIT Classics.
- It’s Gripping: The text captures Socrates’ dramatic courtroom defense as he faces trial in Athens for corrupting the youth and introducing new gods. It’s less a lecture and more a high-stakes showdown.
- It Sparks Deep Thoughts: Rather than spoon-feeding answers, The Apology plants seeds of curiosity. As Robertson puts it, it “creates images in your mind” that linger long after you’ve finished.
- It’s a Philosophical Cornerstone: From Marcus Aurelius to Epictetus, ancient thinkers were shaped by this text. To understand Western philosophy—or even Stoicism, you’ve got to start here.
“I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.” (Plato, Apology, 21d, trans. Benjamin Jowett)
What Is Plato’s Apology About? A Summary of Socrates’ Defense
So, what is Plato’s Apology about? Written by Plato, a student of Socrates, around 399 BCE after Socrates’ death, The Apology isn’t an apology in the modern sense—no “I’m sorry” here. Instead, it’s a powerful record of Socrates’ defense speech (or “apologia”) during his trial in Athens. He was accused of two serious charges: corrupting the youth and impiety (introducing new gods). Facing a jury of Athenian citizens, Socrates didn’t beg for mercy. Instead, he stood his ground, defending his life’s work as a philosopher.
The text captures his fearless reasoning, his unshakable commitment to truth, and his reflections on mortality. Rather than groveling, Socrates turns the tables—questioning his accusers and exposing their contradictions. In the end, he’s sentenced to death by drinking hemlock, a moment that cements his legacy as a martyr for philosophy. For a deeper dive into the historical context, check out this overview on Ancient Athens from World History Encyclopedia.
“I do not know what effect my accusers have had upon you, gentlemen, but for my own part I was almost carried away by them—their arguments were so convincing. And yet hardly a word of what they said was true.”
(Plato, Apology, 17a, trans. Benjamin Jowett)
Socrates on Mortality and the Fear of Death
One of the most unforgettable parts of The Apology is Socrates’ fearless take on Socrates’ death and mortality. By the time of his trial, Socrates was in his seventies. He’d lived through wars, plagues, and the loss of countless friends. Those experiences shaped his calm acceptance of death—a perspective that later inspired Stoic thinkers like Epictetus.
Socrates argues that we don’t fear death itself; we fear our beliefs about it. In a famous passage, he muses that death might even be a gift. If it’s an eternal sleep, what’s so scary about that? And if it’s a journey to another realm, why dread it? As Robertson points out, this idea echoes in Stoicism, where Epictetus teaches that “people aren’t upset by events but by their opinions about them.”
Curious about Stoic views on death? Explore more in this guide to Stoic philosophy.
“To fear death, gentlemen, is no other than to think oneself wise when one is not, to think one knows what one does not know.”
(Plato, Apology, 29a, trans. Benjamin Jowett)
A Defense of Philosophy and Virtue
At its heart, The Apology isn’t just about Socrates—it’s a defense of philosophy as a way of life. Socrates insists that improving your character and seeking virtue matter more than clinging to life. That’s a radical idea, even now.
During his trial, Socrates doesn’t back down. He debates, he questions, he digs for truth—basically doing the very thing he’s on trial for. Robertson sums it up perfectly: “He’s standing there, doing what they accused him of, right in front of them.” It’s a masterclass in courage and conviction, showing us what it means to live with integrity, no matter the cost.
“For I go around doing nothing but persuading both young and old among you not to care for your body or your wealth, but first and foremost for the excellence of your soul.”
(Plato, Apology, 30a-b, trans. Benjamin Jowett)
5 Timeless Lessons from Plato’s Apology
Here are five lessons from The Apology that still ring true today:
- 🙋 Question Everything: Socrates’ method of challenging assumptions pushes us to rethink what we take for granted.
- 🧠 Tame Fear with Reason: Whether it’s death or something smaller, fear often comes from misunderstandings. Face it head-on with logic.
- ☀️ Put Virtue First: A life of integrity beats a life chasing wealth, power, or fame.
- 🧘♀️ Choose Wisdom Over Popularity: Socrates stood alone for truth, proving that real wisdom often means going against the crowd.
- 💪 Live True to Yourself: Even facing death, Socrates refused to compromise his values. That’s the ultimate challenge for us all.
Why Plato’s Apology Still Matters Today
Donald Robertson emphasizes that Plato’s Apology isn’t just some dusty old text—it’s a living, breathing work that still shapes how we think about philosophy, courage, and what it means to be human. Whether you buy into Socrates’ arguments or not, his ideas force you to wrestle with life’s biggest questions. “Weeks, months, years, decades later, you’re still thinking about the stuff he said,” Robertson says.
For anyone curious about Stoicism, ancient philosophy, or the life of Socrates, this text is a must-read. Its influence on thinkers like Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus makes it a foundational piece of Western thought. Want to explore more foundational texts? Check out this introduction to Plato’s works from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Watch Donald Robertson’s Full Discussion on Plato’s Apology
Want to dig deeper into why Plato’s Apology is the one book everyone should read? Check out Donald Robertson’s insightful interview clip below. With over 100,000 views, it’s a compelling look at how this ancient text ties into Stoicism and modern life:
Further Resources
- Curious for more? Explore Donald Robertson’s work on Stoicism and philosophy at Donald Robertson’s Website.
- The Socrates Cheatsheet. More insights about Socrates from Donald.
- Looking for a Plato’s Apology PDF? Free versions are available at trusted sources like MIT Classics.
- Need to know how to cite Plato’s Apology? Use standard formats like MLA or APA, crediting Plato as the author and noting the translator if applicable. For guidance, see this Purdue OWL guide on MLA citation.
- Want to learn more about Socrates’ life and legacy? Dive into this BBC documentary on Socrates for a fascinating overview.