ice of purification must be undertaken to find this salvation because the soul and thebody have two distinct compositions. To illustrate the different natures, Socrates reminds his students of the difference between equal things and equality. Equal things constantly vary and change over time and from one perspective to another. They are also impermanent. Pure equality exists in the realm of the eternal and the absolute. The body falls under the category of equal things, but the soul belongs to the eternal. The role of philosophy, then, is quite evident. It must make sure that the soul can ascend towards the world most similar to its nature. Throughout the discussion on why the soul needs purification, Socrates utilizes severalreferences to religion and myth. He tries to show his friends the esoteric meaning of religious phrases. He says, "Many bear the emblems, but the devotees are few", suggesting the one cannot passively gain purification. Mindless repetition of religious rites does nothing for the individual; on the contrary, it ensures that he will remain in the visible realm. The philosopher's cleansing takes the form of action inspired by a devotion to certain principles. Proper purification also relieves the soul from being reincarnated into a bodily nature once again. Souls still tainted by too close of an association with the body will be sent once again to reside in the bodily realm. The body that these souls get paired with is indicative of its nature. The only way to escape from the cycle of continually displaying the same bodily nature is to turn away from the body and to embrace philosophy. A similarity between the end result of this literal separation and the more bodily one can easily be seen. One of the results gained from the separation made in the visible realm is that the individual finds himself free from the inaccurate realities that the desires crea...
