The Clouds

by Aristophanes

"The Clouds" by Aristophanes is a Greek comedy play written in 423 BC. This satirical work lampoons intellectual fashions in classical Athens, centering on a debt-ridden father who enrolls in Socrates' school—The Thinkery—to learn how to twist arguments and outwit his creditors. When he proves too old to learn, his son must take his place. Considered the world's first "comedy of ideas," the play remains notorious for its caricature of Socrates, later cited as contributing to the philosopher's trial and execution.