The dialogues of Plato in five volumes, Vol. 2 (of 5) : $b Translated into English with analyses and introductions
Plato · en
And the same may be said of the immortal: if the immortal
is also imperishable, then the soul will be imperishable as well
as immortal; but if not, some other proof of her imperishableness
will have to be given.
No other proof is needed, he said; for if the immortal, being
eternal, is liable to perish, then nothing is imperishable.
Yes, replied Socrates, and yet all men will agree that God,
and the essential form of life, and the immortal in general,
will never perish.
Yes, all men, he said—that is true; and what is more,
gods, if I am not mistaken, as well as men.
Seeing then that the immortal is indestructible, must not
the soul, if she is immortal, be also imperishable?
Most certainly.
Then when death attacks a man, the mortal portion of him
may be supposed to die, but the immortal retires at the
approach of death and is preserved safe and sound?
True.
[Sidenote: At death the soul retires into another world.]
Then, Cebes, beyond question, the soul is immortal and
imperishable, and our souls will truly exist in another 107
world!
[Sidenote: _Revelation in a myth._]
I am convinced, Socrates, said Cebes, and have nothing
more to object; but if my friend Simmias, or any one else,
has any further objection to make, he had better speak out,
and not keep silence, since I do not know to what other
season he can defer the discussion, if there is anything which
he wants to say or to have said.
But I have nothing more to say, replied Simmias; nor can
I see any reason for doubt after what has been said. But I
still feel and cannot help feeling uncertain in my own mind,
when I think of the greatness of the subject and the feebleness
of man.
Yes, Simmias, replied Socrates, that is well said: and I
may add that first principles, even if they appear certain,
should be carefully considered; and when they are satisfactorily
ascertained, then, with a sort of hesitating confidence
in human reason, you may, I think, follow the course of the
argument; and if that be plain and clear, there will be no
need for any further enquiry.
Very true.
[Sidenote: ‘Wherefore, seeing all these things, what manner of persons
ought we to be?’]