Chapter 39 Volume Four, Chapter Eight

Although Socrates was sentenced to death, this does not prove that his patron saint is false.He was determined to die.His innocence inspired his courage.He thought it would be good to be dead because he would avoid the pain of old age.A summary of the arguments in this book. If anyone thinks that, although Socrates said that his patron saint forewarned him of what he should do and what he should not do, since he was sentenced to death by the judges, this proves that what he said about the patron saint is false, Such a person should first consider: Socrates was old at that time, even if he did not die at that time, his life would still be terminated shortly thereafter; secondly, what he lost was a life in which all people felt mental decline and what he gained was this: that he showed his strength of mind; and that, more than anyone else, he won honor by the sincerest, frank, and upright appeal of his case; and Most calmly and most courageously endured the death sentence imposed.It is unanimously admitted that no one can think of anyone who has endured death better than he has hitherto been.Since that month coincided with the Delia Festival, according to the law, no prisoner should be executed until the pilgrimage group returned from Dras, so Socrates had to live another thirty days after the sentence.During this period it was clear to all who were with him that Socrates lived no differently than before, when, in fact, he was more pleasant and peaceful than anyone else before. It was already very admirable.How could anyone die better than this?What could be a nobler death than this most heroic death?What death could be happier than this most heroic death?What death is more pleasing to God than the happiest death?

I will also tell what I have heard about Hipanicas from Hermogenes, son of him.Helmogenes says that after Militus filed the indictment against Socrates, he heard Socrates say many things, but he did not mention the fact that he was accused, and he said to Socrates, You should think about how to defend yourself.But the first sentence of Socrates was, "Don't you think I've been doing this all my life?" What is justice, what is injustice, and doing nothing but practicing justice and avoiding injustice, he thinks this is the best defense he can make for himself.But Hermogenes said again: "Socrates, don't you see that the Athenian judges have sentenced many innocent people to death because of the influence of words, but at the same time released many guilty people?" "But , Hermogenes," replied Socrates,

"I would have thought about my plea before the judge, but (my) patron saint would not allow it."Helmogenes said: "Your words are strange." "Do you think it strange if the gods think it best that I end my life now?" asked Socrates. "Don't you know that, so far, I don't admit that anyone has lived a better or happier life than I have? For I think that the people who live best are those who make the best effort to learn how to live best. the happiest people are the ones who are most aware that they are getting better. So far, I feel like this is the case for myself, when I'm with other people and comparing myself to them, I have always thought of myself that way; not only myself, but my friends have always thought that of me, not because they love me (as those who love would think so), but because they know that if they spend more time with me, they will be good people themselves. But if I live longer, it is likely that I will have to endure the pain of old age. Pain, loss of sight, loss of hearing, dullness of thought, slow learning, and memory decline, so that those things in which I was once better than other people, I am not as good as others. If I don’t feel At this point, life is worthless, and if I feel it, must it not be worse and worse?"

"But if I die unjustly, it is a disgrace to those who unjustly put me to death, for, since unrighteousness is shameful, is it not shameful to do anything unjustly? But to me , what is there to be ashamed of others not being able to make just judgments or actions against me? I think that the views of future generations on the predecessors are different according to the unjust treatment or unrighteous deeds they suffered during their lifetime. I also Know that if I die now, people will think of me differently than they would of those who put me to death, and I know they will always testify to me that I have never done anyone wrong or made anyone Bad, always trying to make those with me better."

This is how Socrates talks to Hermogenes and others.Those who knew Socrates as a man and admired virtue still miss him more than anyone to this day, and regard him as the most helpful person for the cultivation of virtue.To me he was, as I have described above, so devout that he would do nothing without the counsel of the gods; Hurts no one, but gives the greatest help to those with whom he associates; so self-controlled that at no time does he prefer pleasure to virtue, and so wise that he never errs in distinguishing between good and evil and to distinguish them on their own without the advice of others; so capable of explaining and deciding such things; so capable of testing others, pointing out their errors, and exhorting them Virtue and good and noble things.What the kindest, happiest man should be, in my opinion, and that is what he is.If any man is dissatisfied with these descriptions, let him compare the characters of others with them, and judge.

Socrates' plea before the judge After Socrates was prosecuted, I think it is worth recalling his consideration of his defense and the end of his life.Although others have discussed these things, and all mentioned his lofty remarks by coincidence (this shows that Socrates did say so), but, as for Socrates at this time, he already thought that for him that death is preferable to life, which they do not say, so that these lofty statements of his seem meaningless.But Hermogenes, the son of Hipanicas, who was his close friend, made such a report, showing that these sublime statements of Socrates corresponded with his mood at the time.Helmogenes said that he saw that Socrates had talked about everything at that time, but he did not mention the matter of his own trial, so he asked him: "Socrates, don't you need to think about your defense? " In this regard, Socrates' first answer was: "Don't you think I have been arguing all my life?" Hermogenes asked, "How do you justify?" "I have never done it in my whole life." Injustice, I thought that might be the best defense."Again Hermogenes said to him: "Don't you see that the courts of the Athenians often put to death the innocent because of the influence of their words, and, on the other hand, because of the sympathy they aroused or the pleadings? Does the word sound good, and the guilty are often released?" Socrates replied: "It is true; I have twice tried to think about the defense, but my patron saint has always opposed me. ’” Helmogenes said to him, “You speak strangely.”Socrates said, "Do you think it strange that I should die now, even in the eyes of the gods? Don't you know that so far I do not recognize anyone who lives better than I do?" I thought that the happiest man is the man who realizes that he has lived a life of piety and righteousness all his life, and I was therefore very pleased with myself when I found myself so, and those who were with me People have the same opinion about me. Now, if I go on living, I know that old age is inevitable: the sight is getting worse; the hearing is weakening; learning is becoming more and more difficult; How can I say that I am living happily when I feel that I am out of energy and complaining about others?" "So perhaps," continued Socrates, "it is because the gods be kind to me, and take care of me, that he not only caused me to die at the right age, but in the easiest way. For, if I were to be convicted now, it would be evident that those who sentenced me would make me consider the easiest To end my life in such a way that the friend suffers the least pain and the deceased is most remembered. When one leaves no shameful and unpleasant memories in the heart of a friend, the body remains healthy, and the mind can show love How can such a man not be remembered? When we think that we must find a reason to avoid death by all means, the gods are quite right to oppose us, because it is obvious that if this method is successful. Therefore, instead of ending life as it is now, one must be prepared to suffer from disease and pain, and to die in old age full of unbearable disasters and joyless." "Hermogenes," continued Socrates, "at any rate I would not like to die in this way. But if I have been irritated by my description of the favors I have received from gods and men, and what I think of myself Judges, then I shall choose death rather than slavishly pray for a life far worse than death."

Helmogenes went on to say that since Socrates had made up his mind in this way, when he was accused of not respecting the gods respected by the city-state, but introducing other gods and corrupting young people, he went forward and said: "Gentlemen, I first feel that It is astonishing how Miletus can say that I do not respect the gods whom the city respects. For all the others who happen to be there--even Miletus himself, if he will--have seen me There were sacrifices on the altar. As for the new gods, I just said that the voice of the gods appeared to me and instructed me what I should do. How can this be said to be the introduction of new gods? Moreover, those people He who seeks revelation in the language of God, no doubt, judges by the sound. Is there any debate about whether thunder makes a sound or whether it is the greatest omen? Does the person who waits by the three-legged tripod Didn't the Priestess of Psao herself communicate the will of the gods by voice? Besides, it is certainly true that the gods foreknow the future and show it to whomever he wills; , exactly the same. Only they call the thing that foretells the future a spirit bird, an oracle, an omen, a prophet, and I call it a patron saint. I think I am better than those who attribute the power of gods to birds As for the fact that I did not lie and offend God in this matter, the following facts are sufficient proof: Although I have told my friends many times what God has shown me, I have never once proved that But what I said was false.

The judges quarreled after hearing these words. Some did not believe what Socrates said, and some became jealous because Socrates had received greater grace from God than they did. Said: "Well, now you listen to something else, and those of you who do not want to believe will be even more unbelieving how much I value me. Harifon once prayed to God in the presence of many people at Delphi. When asked about me, Apollo replied: There is no one who is freer, more just, and more self-controlled than I. When the judges heard these words, they naturally quarreled more violently, and Socrates went on to say: "My lords, the gods said in the oracle about Lucurgus, the Rachadaimonian lawmaker, that what he said was better than that of Lucurgus. Even greater is mine! For it is said that when Lucurgus stepped into the temple the god said to him: "I am considering whether to call you a god or a man." Apollo did not call I am compared with God, but he does think that I am much better than others. However, you should not blindly believe in God in this respect, but you should study carefully what God has said. You know who is better than me. Who is less enslaved to lust? Who is more free than I—never accepting gifts or rewards from anyone? Whom can you reasonably regard as content with what you have and expecting nothing from anyone else? is more just? How can it be unreasonable not to call a wise man a man who, since he learned to speak, has ceaselessly sought to learn the good? Don't you think that many fellow countrymen and Is it a proof that my labors have not been in vain, that foreigners from all over the world prefer to be friends with me? Although they know that I am a person who cannot return them with money, many people still desire to give me something. We should say that this is For what reason? Why did no one ask me to repay his favor, but many people said with one voice that they owed me? Why was it that when the city was besieged, others lamented their fate, but I was able to do so without difficulty? To live the same way as when the city was at its best? Why should I be able to obtain sweeter enjoyments from my own soul without spending money? Since no one can Prove that what I have said about myself is false, and is it not justified that I should be praised by gods and men? Yet, Miletus, do you call me a corrupt youth when I pursue virtue in this way? I think we You must understand what it is to corrupt young people. Tell me who you know who has changed from pious to evil, from self-control to insolence, from frugality to waste, from austerity to binge drinking, because of my influence. From love of labor to love of play or into lust for other sinful pleasures?"

"But I do know," answered Militus, "that you have induced many to obey you rather than their parents." "In matters of education," replied Socrates, "I admit it, because it is known to be the object of my concern. In matters of health, men prefer to obey their physicians rather than their parents; and there is no doubt that All Athenians, in the legislative assembly, listen to the wisest speakers rather than to their own kinsmen, and when you choose your generals, do you not choose those who are most skilled in military affairs, rather than your own parents? , brother or even yourself?

"Socrates," replied Militus, "because it is good to do so, and it is the general practice." "Therefore," replied Socrates, "in other things people do this, not only with general treatment, but with great respect, and I, because some people think that it is most beneficial to human beings. Don’t you think it’s a strange thing that you are very proficient in this aspect, but you are sentenced to death?” It is evident that Socrates himself and the friends who defended him said much more than I have recorded, but I do not intend to tell the whole story of his trial, but I think it will be enough to point it out ;Socrates' intention was just to prove that what he did was neither ungodly to God nor unjust to man; not only did he not want to pray for avoiding death, but he thought it was the right time to die now.His thoughts became clearer after he was sentenced.First of all, when the judges asked him to propose the punishment he thought was appropriate, he not only refused to mention it himself, but also refused to ask his friends to mention it on his behalf.To propose such a sentence would be to admit guilt, he said.Later, when his companions tried to sneak him out of the prison, he would not go with them, but instead asked them, as if in jest, if they knew of any place other than Attica where death did not come.

When the interrogation was over, Socrates said: "Gentlemen, those who incite witnesses to testify falsely against me and those who are persuaded by them to obey their words will always feel how impious and unjust they are; as for me , since no one can prove that I have committed the crime I am accused of, how can I think that I am any worse now than I was before I was convicted? For no one can point out that I am not guilty of the gods of Zeus, Hera, and their company. sacrifices to new gods instead, and no one can point out that I swear by any other god or mention any other god's name. I have been exhorting the youth to persevere and frugality, can this be possible? Corruption of youth? As for crimes punishable by death by law—robbing temples, digging walls, stealing, selling people into slavery, treason to the country—even my accusers did not say that I committed them. Therefore, you How can one even think that I should be sentenced to death. I am baffled." "However, I have no reason to be ashamed of myself when I have been unjustly put to death. For it is not I who are disgraced, but those who condemn me. In this respect, it is in a similar situation to me. And Palamedes, who was put to death, inspired me, too. Palamedes has not given us, until now, any more subjects for beautiful odes than Odysseus, who unjustly executed him. Much more. I know that the future time, as in the past, will prove that I have never done anyone any harm or made anyone worse, but on the contrary, I have always made those with whom I talk. Good things, and do my best to teach them good things for free." After Socrates said these words, he left, and his eyes, features, and gestures all showed a very happy look, which was in full agreement with what he said.When he noticed that the people following him were crying, he asked, "What's the matter? Are you crying now? Don't you know that I was doomed to die by nature from birth?" Is it? Indeed, if I should die suddenly while all blessings are pouring out upon me, it is obvious that it must be painful to myself and to those who wish me happiness, but if it is an unbearable misfortune When the time comes, I will be able to live this life, and I think that since this is a good thing for me, all of you should be happy too." Appaladorus, who was present at this moment, a great lover of Socrates, but otherwise simple-minded, said: "But, Socrates, seeing them put you to death so unjustly, This is the hardest thing for me."Socrates is said to have stroked his head with his hand while asking with a smile: "My dear Appaladorus, do you wish to see me executed justly and not unjustly?" It is said that when Socrates saw Anutus passing by, he said: "This is a very conceited man; I said to him, seeing that the city gave him some high positions, 'Do not make your son learned to be a tanner', and for this reason he thought he would be doing a great and noble thing if he put me to death." "It seems that the villain does not know," Socrates went on, "that whichever of us has done the more beneficial and nobler thing in the eternal sense is the real winner."Socrates went on to say, "Homer ascribed the power of foretelling the future to those who were about to die, and now I want to foretell a little about the future. I was once with the son of Anutus, I see that he is not a want of energy. I say, therefore, that he will not spend long in such a menial occupation as his father has prepared for him. But because no one takes good care of him, he will inevitably be infected. sinking deep into sin by taking some ignominious hobby". Socrates was right.The young man was an avid drinker, and he drank so much day and night that he made himself worthless to the city, to his friends, and to himself.Anutus was notorious even though he was dead, because he did not educate his son well, and also because of his arrogance and shamelessness. On the other hand, because Socrates exalted himself in the court, he also aroused the envy of the judges and made them want to convict him all the more, but I think that what happened to Socrates was precisely The fate of the beloved of God: he avoided the most unbearable part of life, and his death was one of the easiest.He showed heroism; for since he decided that death was better for him than to live on, he has steadfastly faced death, even for other good things. Nor was he so firm. He never expressed any weakness to death, but waited with great joy and patience, and at last gave his life. When I consider the intelligence and nobility of this man, I cannot fail to miss him, and at the same time I cannot fail to praise him.If any one among those who pursue virtue could find a more useful man than Socrates, I think this man is the happiest man.