[Philosopher and Socrates], Death

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.

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