The Proseuché (The Prayer of Socrates) Ch. X [Finale]

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[55a] “Such as it is, Theophilus, it seems to me that there are two acceptable standards, one for those who believe?in the Gods?and one for everyone else.? For the former, ‘the will of the Gods be done’ with perfect?confidence?in the virtue?of the Gods, by their action or system?of existence?for us, and for the latter, ‘may luck?be favorable.’ There is really nothing more or could be more, such that I can comprehend such things.?

[55b] “Moreover, it seems wise?to acknowledge that it is futile?for me, as the lesser, to try to understand?the Gods, as the greater.? I would be foolish?and arrogant?to profess?that I should understand the Gods or to suggest to the Gods what they have done, can do, or could or should do, or what is good?or bad, or right?or wrong, in the same manner as others seem to do when praying. It seems to me that the Gods are free?of such pokings?and proddings, doing exactly what they will do, irrespectively.?

"Praying in the manner set forth by you, Theophilus, such that I understand it, implies?a wisdom or knowledge?of the Gods or divine?things that neither do I possess, nor perhaps could I or should I possess.? I do not poke and prod at the Gods for gifts?and favors, but only to contemplate?seeking virtue?and the achieving of it in their company; thusly, so might I happily embrace?their wise and good judgment?for my existence, such as it is, with wisdom, courage, temperance, and justice, and to endure?all things, such as I am able, with happiness?and contentment.?

?[55c] “Therefore, I cannot say that I go to the temple?today?to pray?the same manner as proffered by you, Theophilus.? I go to the temple simply to think?and to contemplate?achieving virtue, just me in the presence of the Gods.? It seems wise, at least such as I can understand?worldly?things, not to presume?that I understand or could judge?the Gods or such otherworldly divine?conditions, particularly when I am within this worldly existence, with constraints of time?and space, and principles?and facts, not applicable to the Gods.? So, I embrace?that the will of the Gods be done.?

[55d] “And, upon my death, exactly at such time?as the Gods?have determined, that my soul—having some training?in philosophy—be carried directly, lightly?and freely?to the Gods by a chariot?with the strongest?and most focused?of steeds, untethered?to ephemeral?worldly things that might otherwise bind my soul to this world?and away from the Gods.?

[55e] “What the world?gives, the world can take?away.? What the Gods?give, the Gods can take away.? But that which the Gods offer for a man?to become as a gift?to himself, by the acquisition of virtue, cannot be taken away but by the man, and, in this, the Gods might find that I have achieved the heights?in self?they intended for their creation.

[55f] “So, on this day, Theophilus, you depart?from praying?to our Gods?and I arrive?to think?with our Gods.? Which of us will find any happiness?intended by our Gods, or will be the happier, only our Gods know.”

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*?Gregg Zegarelli, Esq., earned both his Bachelor of Arts Degree and his Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His dual major areas of study were History from the College of Liberal Arts and Accounting from the Business School (qualified to sit for the CPA examination), with dual minors in Philosophy and Political Science. He has enjoyed Adjunct Professorships in the Duquesne University Graduate Leadership Master Degree Program (The Leader as Entrepreneur; Developing Leadership Character Through Adversity) and the University of Pittsburgh Law School (The Anatomy of a Deal). He is admitted to various courts throughout the United States of America.

Gregg Zegarelli, Esq.,?is Managing Shareholder of?Technology & Entrepreneurial Ventures Law Group, PC.?Gregg is nationally rated as "superb" and has more than 35 years of experience working with entrepreneurs and companies of all sizes, including startups,?INC. 500, and publicly traded companies.?He is author of?One: The Unified Gospel of Jesus,?and?The Business of Aesop? article series, and co-author with his father,?Arnold Zegarelli, of?The Essential Aesop: For Business, Managers, Writers and Professional Speakers.?Gregg is a frequent lecturer, speaker and faculty for a variety of educational and other institutions.?

? 2023 Gregg Zegarelli, Esq.?Gregg can be contacted through?LinkedIn.

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First Publication September 11, 2022. Copyright ? 2022 by?Gregg Zegarelli, Esq.?Gregg can be contacted through?LinkedIn.

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