Phaenarete

Phaenarete, wife of Sophroniscus, was the mother of the Greek philosopher Socrates.

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Very little is known of the life of Phaenarete. However, many scholars attribute much of Plato's mental development to his mother. Socrates compares himself with his mother, as Albert Schwegler writes, "because his office was rather to help others bring forth thoughts than to produce them himself, and because he took upon himself to distinguish the birth of an empty thought from one rich in content."

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In Xenophon's Memorabilia, Socrates' veneration of his mother, and the concept of motherhood (midwife), is demonstrated by his discussion with his eldest son Lamprocles. Socrates takes an aggressive stance towards his son, "You are displeased at our mother, although you well know that whatever she says, she not only says nothing with intent to do you harm, but that she wishes you more good than any other human being."

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Sophroniscus: Sophroniscus, husband of Phaenarete, was the father of the philosopher Socrates....

Socrates: : This article is about the ancient Greek philosopher, for all other uses see: Socrates (disambiguation)...

Xenophon: :For the later Greek writer see Xenophon of Ephesus....