te and the inhibiting patterns that they form in the soul. In the present example, figurative separation also provides a means by which to prevent the re-occurrence of previous faults, or perpetually incarnating the same inhibitors. The pursuit of wisdom, or philosophy, thus forms a staircase that lifts one from mindless and harmful patterns. The results of philosophically disciplining one's life are personal improvement and expanded awareness, clearly making it applicable and beneficial. The soul has come to recognize more clearly the nature of the body, its relation to the soul, and how the quest for liberation must be approached. Along the ascent towards the afterlife, the philosopher has in away died twice. Each time he has gained a closer proximity to the divine. Throughout this entire dialogue, which now seems to be primarily an argument for the philosophical life, Socrates never puts forward a clear definition of what it is to be a philosopher. The lack of a concrete definition seems intentional. Providing a particular definition would only encourage individuals still caught in the desiring nature to grasp and cling to it. They would value this perceived ability to know what it means to be a philosopher over actually being one. Definitions make most people give up the search; only a few people ever truly recognize them as guides that help the individual ascend in understanding. The Phaedo thus serves as an illustration of philosophy and an example as to what the role of philosophy should be for the individual. The active dialogue between student and teacher draws the reader's concentration towards the issues being examined, suggesting that one manifestation of philosophy is sitting down with this text, reading each line carefully, asking questions about why particular things were said and what they might mean, looking at what other people have observed and seeing h...
