Socrates 469-399
BC
Although Socrates
left no literary legacy, his teachings were documented in the
dialogues of Plato, another prominent Greek philosopher and his former
pupil. 
One of Socrates' most important contributions to Western thought
was his method of inquiry known as the "Socratic Method".
It was a series of questions and answers posed until you arrive at
the truth or solution to a problem. It was designed primarily to force
one to examine their beliefs and the validity of those beliefs.
He also employed this method to examine the prevailing ethics and
moral concepts of his day. For this, he has been largely regarded as
the father of political and moral philosophy. His method also led to
the use of the Scientific Method, as we know it.
Socrates believed that the best way for people to live was to
pursue wisdom and self-development rather than material wealth.
He felt that virtue was the most valuable of all possessions and to
know the good was to do the good.
He also stated that: "the unexamined
life is not worth living"
and how important it is to "know
thyself".
Socrates also felt that he knew very little, which was why he was
always striving to learn and pursue truth - "One thing only I know,
and that is that I know nothing."
Unfortunately
for Socrates, the Greek authorities did not appreciate his love of
wisdom and his "corrupting" the youth with his unorthodox
views.
For his beliefs he was sentenced to death, which he went to nobly (by drinking hemlock) and without regret.
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