Socrates the philosopher

Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates literally died of questioning. If Socrates was in Hong Kong today, he would probably look like a street urchin. The old man used to walk barefoot on the streets of Athens, wearing a dirty robe and asking random strangers difficult questions such as 'What is good? What is reason? What is happiness?' He encouraged the Athenian youth to see the world through curious, humble eyes. But Socrates' constant questioning unnerved the Athenian government, which wasn't used to people questioning its decisions. Eventually officials accused Socrates of 'poisoning young minds' and he was sentenced to death. As a member of the aristocracy, he was allowed the 'kinder' mode of execution - drinking hemlock.