Re: Nestor007's statement

Laura Boyce (laboyce@nervm.nerdc.ufl.edu)
Thu, 18 Sep 1997 16:41:25 -0400

Jessica Lynn Becker wrote:

> i don't necessarily believe that there is ever a point, in anyone's life,
> at which they are willing to go quietly.  no matter the age, circumstances,
> or emotional state, there is a rage for life deep inside everyone of us.
> nothing can make us lose that rage.  even the suicidal don't "go gently."
> they are possessed by rage at themselves, others, life, and while they seem
> to accept "the dying of the light," most suicides are mere attempts at
> gaining attention, empathy.  they are merely teasing, seducing, slipping
> past death.  therefore, they have raged against the dying of the light.  no
> one goes quietly.  rage is always deep inside, and no amount of acceptance
> can mask that.
>
> today in philosophy we heard that when aristotle was condemned to drink
> hemlock, he was supposedly at peace with the concept and even consoled his
> followers with the thought that his death would be welcome.  i don't
> believe that could be true.  perhaps he simply gave up on fighting with the
> aristocracy, the judicial system, and was disheartened by the public's
> cries for his execution.  but inside, i am sure that there was a part of
> him that, while maybe not afraid of death, certainly wanted to "rage, rage
> against the dying of the light."
>
> jessica :)

 was Aristotle forced to drink poison also?  I thought it was just Socrates.

Laura