Throughout the Discourses, Epictetus referred in reverential tones to Socrates. Socrates dedicated his entire life in helping everyone he met to lead a more virtuous life. Socrates lived what he preached up until his last breath. The CRITO has the title 'ON DUTY; ETHICAL'.

This dialogue is a conversation between Socrates and his lifelong friend Crito. It takes place in the prison where Socrates is confined after his trial to await the day of his execution. Crito was a man of wealth and position, devotedly attached to Socrates and greatly interested in philosophical speculation. Crito tried more than once to induce Socrates to escape from prison. The doctrine that injustice is always wrong and that we must not requite injustice with injustice is really Socratic. The exalted patriotism shown and the serenity of mind portrayed by Plato in this dialogue were really exhibited in the last days, as in the previous life, of the master whom he delighted to honor.

CRITO is one part of the Loeb Classical Library book named PLATO I EUTHYPHRO, APOLOGY, CRITO, PHAEDO, PHAEDRUS. It is available for around $20. The book was originally published in 1914 and was translated by the eminent scholar, Harold North Fowler. A wealthy American named James Loeb began in the early 1900's to commission the leading scholars of ancient Greek and Roman manuscripts to translate into English the classic writings. He had the brilliance to format the clothbound books with the original Greek and Latin writings on the left page with the translated English on the right page. With generous footnotes throughout you get the essence of the original writings. The Greek Classics are all hard bound in green with the Latin works in red. Mr. Loeb donated the Loeb Classical Library to Harvard College which has kept the books in print and has added to the collection.

The books are constructed using traditional high quality workmanship with only the finest acid-free paper and binding materials used. They easily fit in your jacket pocket or purse and will stand up to your repeated readings. By having the original Greek or Latin manuscripts always in front of you, it brings out a natural inquisitiveness and makes you wonder if you have the wherewithal to learn to read them in their original form.