[195d]
that they should never arise from their bed of sickness? Pray tell me, do you say that in every case it is better to live? Is it not often preferable to be dead?Laches
I do think that is so.Nicias
And do you think that the same things are to be dreaded by those who were better dead, as by those who had better live?Laches
No, I do not.Nicias
Well, do you attribute the judgement of this matter to doctors or to any other skilled worker except him who has knowledge of what is to be dreaded and what is not—the man whom I call courageous?Socrates
Do you comprehend his meaning, Laches?
I do think that is so.Nicias
And do you think that the same things are to be dreaded by those who were better dead, as by those who had better live?Laches
No, I do not.Nicias
Well, do you attribute the judgement of this matter to doctors or to any other skilled worker except him who has knowledge of what is to be dreaded and what is not—the man whom I call courageous?Socrates
Do you comprehend his meaning, Laches?