My Occupation

It's important to realize that Socrates believes he has been designated by the god, Apollo, as the one to seek wisdom in his native city of Athens. In this way, his search for it is far more than a personal quest, it is a mission based in obedience to the god of Delphi. Thus, he can respond to the charge of impiety in part by saying that not only is he a faithful follower of Apollo but that he does the god's bidding despite the poverty and disfavor which it has brought him personally.