How Should Death be Perceived

     In Plato's dialogue, Socrates gives an interesting view between philosophy and death. Phaedo begins with Socrates proposing that while suicide is wrong, he believes that a true philosopher should not fear death or think of it as a bad thing. But rather, accept it and even welcome it. According to Socrates, the soul is immortal, and we are not attached to our physical and mortal bodies. He argues that our bodies are owned by the gods, so we don't have the right to harm what is not ours, a.k.a. suicide. Socrates states that we should not fear death and welcome it because in the afterlife we will be overall happier. We all die, there is no avoiding it. So philosophers should welcome death, because really all we are preparing for in life is death. Socrates clearly takes the view of a religious person who believes in an afterlife. 

    I personally agree with Socrates view between philosophy and death. If we do not believe in at least some form of an afterlife, what is the point to living? People are compassionate and try to live a life that is benevolent to themselves or others, usually because they want to experience a good afterlife. Without this view of welcoming death and believing in something more, the world would be in chaos and people would lead lives that are in vein. While death is unknown and scary, if you accept and welcome it with open arms, you will live a happier life. I think it is important though to die at the time this higher being decides. If you take your own life, you will be missing out on various events on earth that can bring you happiness and make you a better person. Suicide prevention is a large aspect of my personal life, so I agree with Socrates statements. In my opinion, you were brought into this world for a reason and you belong to a higher being, so they should decide when it is time to die and begin the beautiful afterlife.