ALCIBIADES (I) by Plato - Complete text

Page 25

Soc.: Well, and did Pericles make any one wise; did he begin by making his sons wise?

Alc.: But, Socrates, if the two sons of Pericles were simpletons, what has that to do with the matter?

Soc.: Well, but did he make your brother, Cleinias, wise?

Alc.: Cleinias is a madman; there is no use in talking of him.

Soc.: But if Cleinias is a madman and the two sons of Pericles were simpletons, what reason can be given why he neglects you, and lets you be as you are?

Alc.: I believe that I am to blame for not listening to him.

Soc.: But did you ever hear of any other Athenian or foreigner, bond or free, who was deemed to have grown wiser in the society of Pericles,—as I might cite Pythodorus, the son of Isolochus, and Callias, the son of Calliades, who have grown wiser in the society of Zeno, for which privilege they have each of them paid him the sum of a hundred minae (about 406 pounds sterling) to the increase of their wisdom and fame.

Alc.: I certainly never did hear of any one.

Soc.: Well, and in reference to your own case, do you mean to remain as you are, or will you take some pains about yourself?

Alc.: With your aid, Socrates, I will. And indeed, when I hear you speak, the truth of what you are saying strikes home to me, and I agree with you, for our statesmen, all but a few, do appear to be quite uneducated.

Soc.: What is the inference?

Alc.: Why, that if they were educated they would be trained athletes, and he who means to rival them ought to have knowledge and experience when he attacks them; but now, as they have become politicians without any special training, why should I have the trouble of learning and practising? For I know well that by the light of nature I shall get the better of them.

Soc.: My dear friend, what a sentiment! And how unworthy of your noble form and your high estate!

Alc.: What do you mean, Socrates; why do you say so?

Soc.: I am grieved when I think of our mutual love.

Alc.: At what?

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Plato : ALCIBIADES (I)

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