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About this quote

What does it mean?
Socrates reminds Crito of a debt to Asclepius, implying a ritual or obligation before death.
In plain terms
He asks Crito to settle a religious debt before he passes.
What can you take from it?
Honor commitments, even small ones, at life's end.

Where it applies

  • funeral rites
  • religious duties
  • personal promises

Putting it to work

  • pay debts promptly
  • observe cultural rituals

Questions to consider

  • Why do final acts matter?
  • How do rituals aid closure?

Another view

The specific significance of the debt is unclear.

More from Socrates

  1. The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our ways - I to die and you to live. Which is the better, only God knows.

    Permalink to quote #14
  2. You will know that the divine is so great and of such a nature that it sees and hears everything at once, is present everywhere, and is concerned with everythi…

    Permalink to quote #16
  3. Not I, but the city, teaches.

    Permalink to quote #13

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