The fear of death is indeed the pretense of wisdom, and not real wisdom, being a pretense of knowing the unknown . . . and no one knows whether death which men in their fear apprehend to be the greatest evil, may not be the greatest good. . . .
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Being afraid of death shows fake wisdom since we do not know what it is.
- In plain terms
- Do not fear death because it might be good.
- What can you take from it?
- Do not worry about the unknown.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What are you truly afraid of?
- How do you face uncertainty?
Another view
Fear of death is a natural human instinct.
More from Socrates
Such as thy words are, such will thy affections be esteemed; and such will thy deeds be as thy affections and such thy life as thy deeds.
Permalink to quote #73 The fewer our wants, the nearer we resemble the gods.
Permalink to quote #75 See one promontory, one mountain, one sea, one river and see all.
Permalink to quote #72
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