The Apology of Socrates presents a final picture of the philosopher that Plato has already commemorated in so many dialogues. Socrates is unchanged and unrepentant, still seeking wisdom and virtue whatever the cost to himself. Plato is careful to present us with a consistent figure throughout the dialogues and to make it clear in the Apology that Socrates stuck to his principles even in the face of immanent death.

Socrates says that a good man ought not to calculate whether his words and actions will condemn him to death, only whether he is doing right or wrong. Immediately before he is condemned to death, he refuses to hold his tongue and says that “the greatest good of man is daily to converse about virtue” and “the unexamined life is not worth living.” Plato's purpose is to show Socrates to the greatest possible advantage, combining rock-solid principle with brilliant rhetoric.

As for the way in which one might connect this to one’s own life, if one aims to be consistent and seek wisdom, it is worth asking “What would Socrates do?” in any difficult situation. Are you acting courageously and consistently with the principles you espouse or in a cowardly and self-interested manner? How would you sound if Plato were to write an apologia about you?