I’m trying to work on the foundational texts of western philosophy, so I picked this up to begin. It’s a great selection of dialogues that all have some connection to Socrates’ execution.

Of course, Socrates is the master of breaking down his opponents’ arguments and generally making them look like a chump with some shit-eating grin on his face. This part is fun because the reader can put themselves on the side of Socrates and call out ignorance parading as knowledge. However, in those moments when Socrates is being kind to a person while instructing them we see a great pedagogical tactic at play that still works.

My favorite was Phaedo. Mostly because it was the most tender of the dialogues. You’ve got all these friends gathered together to say goodbye to their teacher and role model; and they are scared, and sad, and hurt. The questions they ask are the questions of people trying not to slip into despair, with all the fearfulness that accompanies it. And Socrates helps them through the night. Tells them not to worry. Soothes their pain and clears a noble path to death. There were moments I teared up while reading it.

Also, my copy is pretty old. The glue was failing so I pulled each page apart as I read. It was a satisfying physical act while reading an ancient text.