In her book "Plato at the Googleplex," Rebecca Goldstein explores the profound relationship between philosophy and the nature of existence. She highlights how philosophy encourages individuals to contemplate their lives and mortality, thereby creating a distance from the societal norms and distractions of their era.

Goldstein emphasizes that for Plato, the act of philosophizing is deeply intertwined with the preparation for death. This perspective underscores the idea that philosophical inquiry leads to a more profound understanding of life, ultimately allowing one to live more authentically and meaningfully, even in the face of inevitable mortality.