Related voices Socrates

Acceptance of the gods’ will

Enchiridion 53.3–4, quoting Socrates

Original text

Greek

The ancient words

ἀλλʼ, ὦ Κρίτων, εἰ ταύτῃ τοῖς θεοῖς φίλον, ταύτῃ γενέσθω. ἐμὲ δὲ Ἄνυτος καὶ Μέλιτος ἀποκτεῖναι μὲν δύνανται, βλάψαι δὲ οὔ.

Modern rendering

Close to the words

Literal English · editorial draft

But, Crito, if this way is pleasing to the gods, let it happen this way. Anytus and Meletus can kill me, but they cannot harm me.

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Historical translation

1928 · Source edition ↗

Well, O Crito, if so it is pleasing to the gods, so let it be. Anytus and Meletus can kill me, but they cannot hurt me.

Text matched to linked transcription; typography normalized.

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Sources & notes

Two Socratic sayings quoted by Epictetus: the first recalls Plato’s Crito 43d; the second adapts Apology 30c–d. Socrates predates the Stoic school.

Historical editions may include surrounding context or use different phrasing. Parallel columns compare passages; their lines are not word-for-word alignments.

The source review is selective. Additional prototype transcriptions are preserved in the repository pending verification. Editorial method →