
The Greek philosopher Plato, author of the Socratic dialogues.
Apology, 4th century B.C.
Facing charges of "corrupting youth," Socrates delivered this speech as rendered by Plato to an Athens jury. It proved unsuccessful; he was convicted by his peers, and subsequently killed himself by swallowing hemlock. But this skillful piece of rhetoric underlines the realization that has propelled philosophy ever since: that human knowledge is woefully limited.
Best Line: "The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our ways I to die, and you to live. Which is better God only knows."