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Crito

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Crito
The father of our country, Thomas Jefferson, once said “My reading of history convinces me that most bad government is the result of too much government.” (Government Involvement in the American Economy) Throughout the course of history we have seen the government drastically change and become more and more involved in the personal lives of the American public. In the story “Crito”, a dialogue written by Plato, he tells of the last days of Socrates. The issue arises as to what laws one should keep, and why. Socrates stands wrongly accused and facing a punishment of death while dear friend Crito tries desperately to convince Socrates to flee. There is every opportunity for Socrates to give in to Crito and save himself yet he will not; why? So many of us believe in free will, the ability to make our own choices without any outside limitations or constraints imposed upon us; however, I believe there is no such service as is depicted in the story of “Crito.” I have no doubt in my mind that if any of us knew we were wrongly accused, facing death, and were given the opportunity to live, we wouldn’t hesitate to take back our freedom. However, Socrates discusses with Crito all the reasons that he cannot abandon his punishment, and must sleep in the bed he made. These reasons will give rise to the argument that the decision he is making, to sacrifice himself, is not free from outside influence of any kind, therefore, his decision is not of his own free will.
In paragraph 26 Crito discusses how it will look if Socrates doesn’t leave remarking that “a great many people who don’t know you and me very well will be sure to think I let you down, because I could have saved you if I had been willing to spend the money.” (Plato) He continues “most people will never believe that it was you who refused to leave this place although we tried our hardest to persuade you.”

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