The Most Ambitious Young Man in Athens

Alcibiades is about twenty years old. He is already famous: wealthy, from one of the best families in the city, brilliant, handsome, and utterly confident that he is destined for greatness. Socrates decides it is time for a conversation.

There was a young man in Athens named Alcibiades. He was about twenty years old. He was already famous.

He was wealthy, from one of the best families in the city. He was brilliant, and he knew it. He was about to step into public life and begin giving speeches, influencing decisions, telling the most powerful city in Greece what to do.

Socrates decided it was time to talk to him.

“You are about to offer advice to the city of Athens,” Socrates said. “Before you do, I want to ask you something. What is the advice going to be about?”

“About what is best for Athens,” Alcibiades said.

“And you know what is best for Athens?”

“Yes,” he said, a little impatiently.

“Where did you learn that?” Socrates asked. “Who taught you?”

Alcibiades stopped. He had not been expecting that question.