Socrates True Philosophers

For "many," as they say in the mysteries, "are the thyrsus bearers, but few are the mystics,"-meaning, as I interpret the words, the true philosophers. In the number of whom I have been seeking, according to my ability, to find a place during my whole life....the true philosophers, and they only, study and are eager to release the soul. Is not the separation and release of the soul from the body their especial study?-Socrates