Socrates lived from 470 to 399 BC in ancient Greece, which leaves an ocean and over two thousand years between his philosophies and current American society. He lived before the invention of cars, television, smartphones, computers, the Internet; all things that have become central to the way American society operates. So how can any of his philosophical teachings relate to today's society? Taken at face value, the answer is that it isn't. The cultural gap is simply too wide. Furthermore, if his teachings had been significant, they surely would have been assimilated into the minds of people during the many centuries that have passed since his time and consolidated into the human progress that eventually developed into modern society. However, upon further consideration, perhaps the problem lies in modern society and not in Socrates' teachings. Perhaps during the process of cultural change, enthusiasm for progress overcomes the desire to look back and learn from history. This flaw is perhaps the most characteristic of America, a country firmly projected towards the future. However, it is possible that by examining the teachings of Socrates, American society may find insights that could prove useful, particularly by examining the words of the Apology. In his defense before an Athenian court Socrates demonstrates his belief in the cultivation of the soul through the pursuit of truth, knowledge and the admission of one's ignorance, which remain significant for today's society and could even be used as stepping stones to repair the flaws of American society. judicial and electoral systems. To understand how Socrates and his teachings can be significant to modern American society one must first take a closer look and find... middle of the paper... the apology asks When he addresses his audience, he says that they live in a company “which is the largest and most famous in the world” and asks “are you not ashamed to devote your attention to acquiring as much money as possible, and likewise to your reputation and honor, and give no attention or thought to the truth, intelligence and perfection of your soul?” It is quite remarkable how much of a direct address this seems to American society, as it exists today. Socrates believed that the inner self or soul was of utmost importance. He taught that the pursuit of money and honor leads people to forget the importance of their soul, which he believed requires cultivation and care. His plea to take care of one's inner self and not settle for anything less than the truth, remains as relevant today as it was when he was alive.