The Apology by Plato is a description of the statement Socrates gives during his trial. Socrates is accused of creating new gods and ruining Athens' young. By no means is Socrates' speech an "apology" in the sense we use today. Socrates generally uses extremely simple, conversational language.

Socrates compares himself to a gadfly stinging a lethargic horse, the Athenian state, in The Apology of Socrates. He then starts questioning Meletus, who was essentially in charge of presenting Socrates to the jury. This is one of the rare times Socrates employs the cross-examination technique, or questioning, which is so prevalent in most Platonic dialogues.

He makes the lighthearted suggestion that if he were to receive what he merits, he should be rewarded with a delectable feast for his significant contributions to the state. He claims that only the gods know what occurs after death when the jury rejects his recommendation and executes him.