Apology of Socrates to the Jury by Plato Crito

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Features: The years of Socrates were drawing to a close, and some saw the ship of death pass by Sounion. His elderly friend Crito, who was of the same age, came before dawn to bring this news, while he himself received an inspiration in his dream that he must die on the third day. Time was precious; Crito came early to persuade him to escape from prison, but Socrates was willing to sacrifice his own life and refused Crito's plea to escape.
At the age of thirty-five, Plato, a loyal disciple of Socrates, recorded his teacher's trial, defense, refusal to flee, and philosophical thoughts. Around 392 BCE, Plato wrote works such as The Apology of Socrates, Crito, and Euthyphro, which are generally considered his early writings. Reading this book today, which includes these three works, inevitably brings to mind Socrates' famous quote—"Only reason is truly valuable."
Dear Crito, your sincerity is highly valued. If it is based on sound principles, then the more sincere your heart, the harder it is to comply. We must consider whether this is something we should do or not. I am always guided by reason, both now and always. Nothing else can bind me. After careful consideration, I firmly believe that only reason is truly valuable. I cannot abandon my past words due to my current circumstances; they remain unchanged, and I still respect them. In this situation, if I cannot uphold my former principles, please recognize that I will not yield to you. Even if the intimidation of the masses, like that of children, threatens us with even greater horrors than our current situation—imprisonment, execution, confiscation, and the like—I will not waver.
How should we reason through this issue? Should we first examine your words about opinions: that some opinions must be attended to while others need not—is this correct? Or is this saying well-founded now, or has it become empty talk and childish nonsense? Crito, I earnestly ask you to examine with me: Do our past words seem different in my current situation, or are they still the same? Should we withdraw or rise to your place, and do as you command? I believe that those whose words are recognized as meaningful often say that some opinions must be valued, while others need not, as I just pointed out.
In the name of the gods, Crito, do you not agree that this saying is well-founded? From human nature, you have no fear of death tomorrow, and your current misfortune should not confuse your mind. Not all opinions must be respected; some must be, while others need not. Not all opinions are valuable; some are, while others are not. Please examine whether this reasoning is sufficient for you, whether it is well-founded. What do you think?