ALCIBIADES (I) by Plato - Complete text

Page 48

Soc.: But can a man give that which he has not?

Alc.: Impossible.

Soc.: Then you or any one who means to govern and superintend, not only himself and the things of himself, but the state and the things of the state, must in the first place acquire virtue.

Alc.: That is true.

Soc.: You have not therefore to obtain power or authority, in order to enable you to do what you wish for yourself and the state, but justice and wisdom.

Alc.: Clearly.

Soc.: You and the state, if you act wisely and justly, will act according to the will of God?

Alc.: Certainly.

Soc.: As I was saying before, you will look only at what is bright and divine, and act with a view to them?

Alc.: Yes.

Soc.: In that mirror you will see and know yourselves and your own good?

Alc.: Yes.

Soc.: And so you will act rightly and well?

Alc.: Yes.

Soc.: In which case, I will be security for your happiness.

Alc.: I accept the security.

Soc.: But if you act unrighteously, your eye will turn to the dark and godless, and being in darkness and ignorance of yourselves, you will probably do deeds of darkness.

Alc.: Very possibly.

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Plato : ALCIBIADES (I)

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