On the basis of what has been reported concerning Socrates, we would judge that he made a profound impression upon a group of his followers who were closely associated with his life and teachings. Consequently, what information we have concerning him comes from the testimony of others who were associated with him and who were influenced both by the moral quality of his living and the significance of the ideas that he expounded. In contrast to them, Socrates left no writings at all. Both Plato and Aristotle were prolific writers, and what we know about them has been derived chiefly from their published works. Plato became the most distinguished of his pupils, and Aristotle in turn received instruction from Plato. In point of time, Socrates was the one who appeared first. All three were original thinkers and great teachers. Each of them made significant contributions to philosophy, and it would be difficult to determine to which one of them we are most indebted. The influence of these men on the culture of the Western world can scarcely be overestimated. The philosophy of ancient Greece reached its highest level of achievement in the works of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
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