Plato’s Alcibiades I, written in the early 4th century BC, presents a dialogue between Socrates and the young Athenian statesman Alcibiades. The work explores Alcibiades’ political ambition while examining themes of virtue, self-knowledge, and the nature of wisdom in leadership. Though Alcibiades prides himself on his wealth, lineage, and appearance, Socrates exposes his ignorance about justice and virtue through questioning. Despite Alcibiades’ confidence in advising the Athenians, Socrates compels him to realize he lacks the true knowledge required to govern effectively. The dialogue underscores self-knowledge as the foundation of political responsibility, suggesting that genuine leadership arises from understanding oneself and the essence of justice.