In this dialogue, two philosophers talk about death. Socrates about his wisdom to die the best he can. And the philosopher, who echoes his teacher’s opinion with questions and thoughts on a genuine death.
Philosopher: Ah, Socrates, you look forward to death?
Socrates: Yes, I wish to shed my sinning flesh, so I may feel the spiritual with a truly pure heart.
P: You shy from mortality?
S: Not at all, it is out of my control. I give my body freely to experience the ultimate freedom. I don’t want to die, but it is the best death I can arrange for myself.
P: But why does knowing when and how you die help?
S: Hemlock is a tradition. And agreeing with the Eleven brings me as close to my right time to die as I have ever been fortunate enough to see. I don’t think I would plan a better death all by myself.
P: Does this death of yours ring true?
S: Yes, I believe it does. Perhaps, others, ages and ages hence, will find fault with it. But no truer death can I envision for myself.
P: Alright, I am going to think about my own for a while. I don’t believe my time will arrive: not yet anyway!
S: Farewell and think well about your death and all humanity, who shall join us soon.