I am this gadfly that God gave to the State and, all day and in every place, I always attach myself to you, awakening you, persuading you and reproaching... I dare say you may feel irritated at being suddenly awakened when you are caught napping; and you may think that if you struck me to death, as Anytus advises, which you could easily do, then you would sleep for the rest of your life” (The Apology). He compares the unexamined life to a deep sleep. He, the gadfly, prevents you from falling asleep. Socrates, by stirring up conversations and investigations, prevents the State from becoming careless, narrow-minded and fanatical; basically, a life not worth living. Young people will believe the knowledge that politicians, philosophers and artisans claim to have, but with Socrates' lifestyle, some have begun to question or examine what they are told to think of these "honorable" men . If Socrates is put to death, Athens loses its chance to regain consciousness, unless another "gadfly" arrives. (THE