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The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our ways—I to die, and you to live.
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“The hour of departure has arrived, and we go our ways—I to die, and you to live.”

Plato

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Source
Apology
Date
4th century BCE
Local voice
Dialogue speaker · Socrates
English wording
Benjamin Jowett — Translator · from Ancient Greek
Meaning

Meaning of “The hour of departure has arrived, and we…”

The closing sentence accepts the separation between life and death without claiming certainty about which condition is ultimately better.

Source context

Where does it come from?

Apology, final paragraph in Jowett’s translation; Socrates closes after the jury has sentenced him to death.

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Speaker context

Why the local voice matters

Socrates closes Plato’s Apology with this farewell after the death sentence has been imposed.

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Themes

Ideas connected with this quotation

Acceptance Quotes About Reality, Limits & ChangeCourage Quotes About Acting Despite FearDeepGriefHealingInspirational Quotes About Hope, Courage & PossibilityLifeLife Is ShortMeaning of Life Quotes About What Makes Life MatterMotivation For LifeMoving OnPhilosophySadShortThought-Provoking Quotes That Invite ReflectionDeathFate
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Source details

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Source details

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For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
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“For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.”

Kahlil Gibran · The Prophet · 1923
Meaning & context

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Source details

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It is not a lost year, but one that may prove the most helpful of any you ever know.
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“It is not a lost year, but one that may prove the most helpful of any you ever know.”

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Voice: Fictional character · Jo Bhaer
Meaning & context

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Source details

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