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Two men, divided by centuries, yet their ideas and teachings are timeless. Martin Luther King Jr. and Socrates may have lived centuries apart but there similar ideas and beliefs inspired millions and changed the way we think and act today. Socrates was born around 470 BC, in Athens, Greece. We know of his life through the writings of his student Plato.

Socrates was not born into a noble or rich family, and therefore he only receive a basic greek education. At a very young age Socrates began working with his father as a mason until he devoted his life to philosophy. Athenian law stated that all able bodied men from the ages of 18 to 60 were required to join the military. Socrates served in the armored infantry during his time in the military and participated in many military campaigns during the Peloponnesian War. During the war Socrates was known for his courage in battle and that trait stayed with him all the way to his death. After Socrates left the military and came back to Athens he began his career as a philosopher.

Socrates believed that philosophy should achieve practical results for the greater well-being of society. Socrates went on to establish an ethical system based on human reason rather than religion. For example Socrates believed that seasons did not come from they myth of demeter and persephone but rather the seasons change because of the movement of the sun.  Socrates also believed that t the best form of government was not a dictatorship but it was not a democracy either. Instead, Socrates claimed that the government worked best when it is ruled by individuals who had the greatest knowledge. Unlike other philosophers and teachers, Socrates did not have a school but rather the whole of Athens was his classroom and he walked around Athens asking questions to all citizens of Athens.

Socrates goals was to arrive at political and ethical truths. Socrates’s fame spread around Athens and he gained the attention of the Athenian government. The athenian government feared Socrates and therefore accused him of corrupting the Athenian youth. Socrates was sentenced to death after refusing to be exiled from Athens.  Socrates stated that he was not afraid of death, and he would be no better off if in exile because he was a loyal citizen of Athens and he wanted to abide by these laws. Therefore Socrates was executed in 399 B. C.

E. Although, Socrates was executed centuries ago his worked is considered to be the father of the western school of thought. Martin Luther King Jr. was first introduced to the world on January 15th 1929.

Martin Luther King was the middle child of three children and was the son of  Michael King Sr. and Alberta Williams King. Martin Luther King was an excellent student and graduated high school at the top of his class. After graduation Boston College, Martin Luther King stepped in as the pastor for Dexter Avenue Baptist Church of Montgomery, Alabama, he was only 25 years old. On December 1st, 1955 Martin Luther King was selected to lead the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

After 382 days of walking to work the city of Montgomery lifted that laws regarding segregation on transportation. Martin Luther King was considered a hero and after his work in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, Martin Luther King took up the name as the national leader of the civil rights movement. By 1960 the national civil right movement had become significantly more popular and Martin Luther King was gained national fame amongst the black people of America.

From the early 1960’s to his death in 1968 Martin Luther King protested in multiple protests all over the country. His speeches inspired the nation to come together and support the civil rights movement. In 1963, on top of the stairs of the Lincoln Memorial he spoke to the nation and delivered his “ I have a dream” speech. His speech received the attention of important political figures such as President Lyndon B. Johnson, who strived to help King in his journey to equal rights. In 1968 he delivered his last speech in Memphis, Alabama where he urged his followers to continue his journey even if he can not continue with them.

In his speech he promised his supporters that the promised land is not far and together they will make it to the top of the mountain. The following day Martin Luther King was shot by James Earl Ray. Even after his death Martin Luther King has inspired millions of people to fight for what they believe in and to never give up. Justice is defined as obeying the principal of fairness and equality. Justice is also defined as the