Upon the score of fore-knowledge and divining I am infinitely inferior to the swans. When they perceive approaching death they sing more merrily than before, because of the joy they have in going to the God they serve.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Socrates admits humans lack the ability to predict death, unlike swans which sing happily before dying because they believe in an afterlife with the divine.
- In plain terms
- Humans cannot predict death like swans can, who sing joyfully because they expect to meet a god.
- What can you take from it?
- Accept that you cannot know the future, but trust in your values.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What gives you comfort when thinking about death?
- Do you believe in an afterlife?
Another view
This relies on a mythological belief about swans that is not scientifically proven.
More from Socrates
True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us.
Permalink to quote #87 Virtue does not come from wealth, but health, and every other good thing which men have comes from virtue.
Permalink to quote #89 True knowledge exists in knowing that you know nothing.
Permalink to quote #86
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