Today's word: Xanthippe (n.) a scolding, quarrelsome woman.

Xenophon, one of Socrates' students, described the philosopher's wife as "the most difficult woman not just of this generation...but of all the generations past and yet to come". I can't help wondering if this had anything to do with Socrates' choice not to avoid the death sentence, when it would have appeared quite easy for him to do so. Then again, I'm guessing not all women would be fine with their husband running around in the company of other half naked females!

Image: Socrates and Xanthippe, Luca Penni, circa 1550.

Thanks for reading :)

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