Wrestling with Nostalgia

“The Death of Socrates” by Jacques-Louis David

While Socrates anticipated his death penalty in a prison cell, his students were bewildered as to how their teacher could remain so calm in the face of such a terrifying situation. The great philosopher’s reply was equally mystifying as it was straightforward: those who are wise prepare their whole lives for death, and so, they have nothing to fear when that time finally comes.