Who would have expected that the philosopher Socrates, known for his wisdom, intellect and powerful words

 Who would have expected that the philosopher Socrates, known for his wisdom, intellect and powerful words, lived in an environment filled with shouting, ignorance and hostility from his wife?

This woman was known for being domineering, sharp-tongued, strong and forcing her husband to leave home at dawn and return only after sunset every day. Yet, Socrates once said about her:

“I am indebted to this woman. Without her, I would not have learned that wisdom lies in silence and happiness in sleep.”

He also said: “I have been afflicted with three calamities: language, poverty, and my wife. The first I overcame through diligence, the second through frugality, but the third – I could never overcome.”

One day, while Socrates was sitting with his students, his wife began shouting and insulting him, as was her habit. Socrates kept calm and didn't pay attention to her behaviour. But this time, to everyone’s surprise, she splashed jugfull of water on his head. Wiping his face in astonishment, Socrates calmly remarked: “We should have expected rain after all that thunder.”

It is said that Socrates’ calm demeanor & silence eventually led to his wife’s death from a heart attack.

📷 Socrates and Xanthippe.

Engraving by Anonymous Dutch artist, 17th century

Museum Boijmans-van Beuningen, Rotterdam