Nic. Why, Laches, I do not call animals or any other things which have no fear
of dangers, because they are ignorant of them, courageous, but only fearless
and senseless. Do you imagine that I should call little children courageous,
which fear no dangers because they know none? There is a difference, to my way
of thinking, between fearlessness and courage. I am of opinion that thoughtful
courage is a quality possessed by very few, but that rashness and boldness,
and fearlessness, which has no forethought, are very common qualities
possessed by many men, many women, many children, many animals. And you, and
men in general, call by the term "courageous" actions which I call rash;-my
courageous actions are wise actions.
La. Behold, Socrates, how admirably, as he thinks, he dresses himself out in
words, while seeking to deprive of the honour of courage those whom all the
world acknowledges to be courageous.
Nic. Not so, Laches, but do not be alarmed; for I am quite willing to say of
you and also of Lamachus, and of many other Athenians, that you are courageous
and therefore wise.
La. I could answer that; but I would not have you cast in my teeth that I am a
haughty Aexonian.
Soc. Do not answer him, Laches; I rather fancy that you are not aware of the
source from which his wisdom is derived. He has got all this from my friend
Damon, and Damon is always with Prodicus, who, of all the Sophists, is
considered to be the best puller to pieces of words of this sort.
La. Yes, Socrates; and the examination of such niceties is a much more
suitable employment for a Sophist than for a great statesman whom the city
chooses to preside over her.
Soc. Yes, my sweet friend, but a great statesman is likely to have a great
intelligence. And I think that the view which is implied in Nicias' definition
of courage is worthy of examination.
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