# Socrates — Essays character guide

> Socrates in Essays by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

**Role:** minor

**First appearance:** 0001-self-reliance

## Who they are

Classical Greek philosopher, a central figure in the dialogues of Plato.

## In the story

### [Intellect](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/chapters/intellect)

Presented as an example of an eloquent man who articulates truth, yet defers to the silent truth contained within others like Lysis and Menexenus.

### [New England Reformers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/chapters/new-england-reformers)

Mentioned alongside Pythagoras and Diogenes as a 'great man' who was nonetheless criticized by Dandamis for being 'too much subjected to the reverence of the laws.'

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/characters/socrates
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/emerson_essays_se/characters