HIPPIAS (minor) by Plato - Complete text

Page 17

Socr.: And does not the same hold of ears, nostrils, mouth, and of all the senses—those which involuntarily act ill are not to be desired, as being defective; and those which voluntarily act ill are to be desired as being good?

Hipp.: I agree.

Socr.: And what would you say of instruments;—which are the better sort of instruments to have to do with?—those with which a man acts ill voluntarily or involuntarily? For example, had a man better have a rudder with which he will steer ill, voluntarily or involuntarily?

Hipp.: He had better have a rudder with which he will steer ill voluntarily.

Socr.: And does not the same hold of the bow and the lyre, the flute and all other things?

Hipp.: Very true.

Socr.: And would you rather have a horse of such a temper that you may ride him ill voluntarily or involuntarily?

Hipp.: I would rather have a horse which I could ride ill voluntarily.

Socr.: That would be the better horse?

Hipp.: Yes.

Socr.: Then with a horse of better temper, vicious actions would be produced voluntarily; and with a horse of bad temper involuntarily?

Hipp.: Certainly.

Socr.: And that would be true of a dog, or of any other animal?

Hipp.: Yes.

Socr.: And is it better to possess the mind of an archer who voluntarily or involuntarily misses the mark?

Hipp.: Of him who voluntarily misses.

Socr.: This would be the better mind for the purposes of archery?

Hipp.: Yes.

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Plato : HIPPIAS (minor)

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