In the Apologia Socrates is made to say
"I went to one who had the reputation
of wisdom, and observed him—his name I need not mention; he was a
politician whom I selected for examination—and the result was as
follows: When I began to talk with him, I could not help thinking that he
was not really wise, although he was thought wise by many, and still wiser
by himself; and thereupon I tried to explain to him that he thought
himself wise, but was not really wise; and the consequence was that he
hated me, and his enmity was shared by several who were present and heard
me. So I left him, saying to myself, as I went away: Well, although I do
not suppose that either of us knows anything really beautiful and good, I
am better off than he is,—for he knows nothing, and thinks that he
knows; I neither know nor think that I know. In this latter particular,
then, I seem to have slightly the advantage of him."
I love this passage. The bit where Socrates says "I tried to explain to him that he thought
himself wise, but was not really wise" suggests the philosopher was somewhat short on tact and diplomacy.
After
this he went off and offended other groups, such as poets and artisans.
He sums it up "This inquisition has led to my having many enemies".
Quotes from http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1656/1656-h/1656-h.htm
