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Section 107

"I think everyone would agree," said Socrates, "that the god, the Form of Life itself, and whatever else is immortal, never perishes." "Everyone, by Zeus," he said, "all men and even more so, the gods." "Since the immortal is also indestructible, must not the soul, if it is immortal, also be imperishable?" "With great necessity." "Therefore, when death approaches a human being, the mortal part of him dies, it seems, but the immortal part retreats safely, uncorrupted, making way for death." "It appears so." "Then beyond all doubt, Cebes, the soul is immortal and imperishable, and our souls will truly exist in Hades." "For my part, Socrates," said Cebes, "I have nothing to say against this, nor any reason to doubt your arguments. But if Simmias or anyone else has anything to say, it is better they do not stay silent. For I do not know to what other time they could defer the matter if they wish to speak or hear about these things." "Nor do I," said Simmias, "have any further doubts based on what has been said. Yet, considering the magnitude of the subject we are discussing, and mindful of human weakness, I am forced to retain some lingering doubt in myself about what we have said." "Not only that, Simmias," said Socrates, "you speak well; even our first hypotheses, however trustworthy they seem, should be examined more clearly. If you analyze them adequately, I think you will follow the argument as far as it is possible for a human being to follow. And if this itself becomes clear, you will seek no further." "What you say is true," he said. "But it is right to think about this, gentlemen: if the soul is immortal, it demands our care not only for this time we call life, but for all time. The danger now appears terrible if one neglects it. If death were an escape from everything, it would be a godsend for the wicked to die and be rid of their body, and their soul, and their wickedness all at once. But as it is, since the soul appears immortal, there is no other escape or salvation from evils for it except to become as good and wise as possible. For the soul goes to Hades carrying nothing else with it but its education and upbringing, which are said to bring the greatest benefit or harm to the deceased right from the very beginning of the journey there."