Some say that the body (σῶμα) is the "tomb" (σῆμα) of the soul, their notion being that the soul is buried in the present life; and again, because by its means the soul gives any signs which it gives, it is for this reason also properly called "sign" (σῆμα). But I think it most likely that the Orphic poets gave this name, with the idea that the soul is undergoing punishment for something; they think it has the body as an enclosure to keep it safe, like a prison, and this is, as the name itself denotes, the "safe" (σῶμα) for the soul, until the penalty is paid, and not even a letter needs to be changed. (Plato)

Some say that the body (σῶμα) is the "tomb" (σῆμα) of the soul, their notion being that the soul is buried in the present life; and again, because by its means the soul gives any signs which it gives, it is for this reason also properly called "sign" (σῆμα). But I think it most likely that the Orphic poets gave this name, with the idea that the soul is undergoing punishment for something; they think it has the body as an enclosure to keep it safe, like a prison, and this is, as the name itself denotes, the "safe" (σῶμα) for the soul, until the penalty is paid, and not even a letter needs to be changed.

Plato

Related topics

body bury enclosure gives idea letter life likely name needs notion orphic pay penalty present prison punishment reason safe say sign something soul think tomb means

Related quotes