Socrates Apology
Socrates ApologyIs Socrates correct in the assertion that Athens will suffer more than he upon his death?
In the Apology, Socrates states that the city of Athens will suffer far more than he, if he is put to death. He is able to say this because he does not have a fear of death, as he feels it is foolish to fear the unknown. Also, he knew that he had lived the good life, the examined life, having the nerve to analyze and ponder the unheard of, taboo questions. Never had he put the material world of wealth, power, and passion before his soul, the most important thing, for all the luxuries of the flesh are temporary, but the soul is eternally present. Socrates realizes that his beliefs were never compromised, even in the face of imminent danger, which makes him a good and virtuous man, leaving him nothing to fear in the afterlife, whatever that may be. He enlightens everyone to the fact that in any case, he will not suffer in death, and goes on to explain the many possibilities, such as eternal sleep, which he has no gripe with, and then a paradise, which he feels he will surely go to, as he has lived as he knew he should, with great bravery. Socrates was able to die knowing that not one portion of his life is in question of regret, as he never allowed it.
Socrates knows that Athens will suffer more than he because of what the oracle at Delphi had told him, as well. The oracle revealed “No man is wiser than Socrates,” a riddle Socrates admits he doubted at first. Yet slowly, he came to see that many who thought they knew, were in reality, quite blind to the truth. This is the purest form of ignorance, the ignorance that Socrates had the ability to decipher, which is the reason he was such...
To view the complete essay, you be registered.