trangers sharing a bench at a bus stop, will want as much distance between them as possible while still sharing the same bench. Once this distance has been established, the soul can finally begin to concentrate. "The purest concentration of the mind is the nearest approximation to death that we can enjoy on earth" . The individual whose soul is now distanced from the body and restored to rulership over the body also gains the ability to express an authenticity in his actions. The philosopher, unlike other individuals, has the ability to let go of the body and desires. Only the philosopher can exhibit true courage and self-control. The courage and self-control displayed here are true because the philosopher acts from the proper motivation. Individuals still saturated with the body cannot act in this manner. They promote courage and self-control only because they fear that a greater evil will befall them if they do not act in a particular manner. The relativism brought about by the weighing of pleasures and desires resembles the "trading of coins," which represents the task of trying to weigh desires and actions against possible punishments and outcomes. Decisions based on exchanging coins of preference annihilate any hope of ever acting in a pure manner. When the philosopher acts courageously, he acts for the sake of courage alone. According to Cropsey, Socrates clearly demonstrates an appreciation for the awakened soul toact in the visible world. Unlike other men who attained a vast understanding in this lifetime Heraclitus, for instance, who spent the last part of his life as a recluse -- Socrates does not retreat from society. He remains in the city, trying as always to arouse a similar awakening in the citizens and political leaders of Athens. Instead of criticizing from a distance, Socrates places himself at the center of activities. Although the ...
