The Last Words of Socrates

It is difficult to understand why, shortly before his death from drinking poison, Socrates said that he owed a cock to Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine. Because, from a conventional perspective, it would be illogical to offer thanks after drinking poison, ordinary people have not been able to understand this statement. Some have even dismissed it, saying that Socrates was merely making a joke on his deathbed. A group of men, who are approaching the end of their lives, gather at a friend's funeral. This prompts them to ask questions about Socrates' last words, which differ from a conventional view of death. Through a discussion of Socrates' last words, they realize that the soul is imperishable, and that death is only a transition.