ALCIBIADES (I) by Plato - Complete text

Page 29

Alc.: I entirely believe you; but what are the sort of pains which are required, Socrates,—can you tell me?

Soc.: Yes, I can; but we must take counsel together concerning the manner in which both of us may be most improved. For what I am telling you of the necessity of education applies to myself as well as to you; and there is only one point in which I have an advantage over you.

Alc.: What is that?

Soc.: I have a guardian who is better and wiser than your guardian, Pericles.

Alc.: Who is he, Socrates?

Soc.: God, Alcibiades, who up to this day has not allowed me to converse with you; and he inspires in me the faith that I am especially designed to bring you to honour.

Alc.: You are jesting, Socrates.

Soc.: Perhaps, at any rate, I am right in saying that all men greatly need pains and care, and you and I above all men.

Alc.: You are not far wrong about me.

Soc.: And certainly not about myself.

Alc.: But what can we do?

Soc.: There must be no hesitation or cowardice, my friend.

Alc.: That would not become us, Socrates.

Soc.: No, indeed, and we ought to take counsel together: for do we not wish to be as good as possible?

Alc.: We do.

Soc.: In what sort of virtue?

Alc.: Plainly, in the virtue of good men.

Soc.: Who are good in what?

Alc.: Those, clearly, who are good in the management of affairs.

Soc.: What sort of affairs? Equestrian affairs?

Alc.: Certainly not.

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Plato : ALCIBIADES (I)

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