IS IT POSSIBLE TO VOTE AGAINST EUROPE?
IS IT POSSIBLE TO VOTE AGAINST EUROPE?

Summary/Abstract: Churchill is often quoted on democracy as being the least bad of all forms of government. In other words, democracy is bad, but we know nothing better. This is far too general. The death of Socrates offers a fine illustration of how democracy operated in Athens, its famous cradle. He had to drain the cup of hemlock in the circle of his disciples and followers; the poison worked its way up his body gradually from the feet, slowly paralysing him to death. This capital punishment was meted out for several offenses. For one thing, Socrates’ refusal to accept remuneration from his disciples contravened the custom of the day, when all the other Sophists were considered the salaried employees of the students they taught. True enough, Socrates offered his wisdom free of charge, but by so doing he remained free to let go anyone who did not meet his satisfaction. In this way, he was able to forge a deeply personal, even charismatic, relationship with his followers, which rubbed the powers that be the wrong way.

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