The Memorabilia
by
Xenophon

Part 4 out of 5



that, apart from such discrimination, a man could help himself by
means of wealth alone to whatever he liked or find the path of
expediency plain before him; and was it not the veriest simplicity to
suppose that, without the power of labouring profitably, a man can
either be doing well or be in any sort of way sufficiently equipped
for the battle of life? and again, the veriest simplicity to suppose
that by mere wealth without true knowledge it was possible either to
purchase a reputation for some excellence, or without such reputation
to gain distinction and celebrity?

[9] Or, "and to be honoured by mankind."

[10] Or, "that without learning the distinction it was possible to
distinguish between," etc.


II

Or to come to a third kind--the class of people who are persuaded that
they have received the best education, and are proud of their wisdom:
his manner of dealing with these I will now describe.

Euthydemus[1] "the beautiful" had (Socrates was given to understand)
collected a large library, consisting of the most celebrated poets and
philosophers,[2] by help of which he already believed himself to be
more than a match for his fellows in wisdom, and indeed might
presently expect to out-top them all in capacity of speech and
action.[3] At first, as Socrates noted, the young man by reason of his
youth had not as yet set foot in the agora,[4] but if he had anything
to transact, his habit was to seat himself in a saddler's shop hard
by. Accordingly to this same saddler's shop Socrates betook himself
with some of those who were with him. And first the question was
started by some one: "Was it through consorting with the wise,[5] or
by his own unaided talent, that Themistocles came so to surpass his
fellow-citizens that when the services of a capable man were needed
the eyes of the whole community instinctively turned to him?"
Socrates, with a view to stirring[6] Euthydemus, answered: There was
certainly an ingenuous simplicity in the belief that superiority in
arts of comparatively little worth could only be attained by aid of
qualified teachers, but that the leadership of the state, the most
important concern of all, was destined to drop into the lap of
anybody, no matter whom, like an accidental windfall.[7]

[1] Euthydemus, the son of Diocles perhaps. See Plat. "Symp." 222 B,
and Jowet ad loc.; Cobet, "Prosop. Xen." s.n.; K. Joel, op. cit.
p. 372 foll. For {ton kalon} cf. "Phaedr." 278 E, "Isocrates the
fair." For the whole chapter cf. Plat. "Alc." i.; "Lys." 210 E.
See above, "Mem." I. ii. 29; Grote, "Plato," i. ch. x. passim.

[2] Lit. "sophists." See Grote, "H. G." viii. p. 480, note. For
private libraries see Becker, "Char." p. 272 foll. (Eng. tr.)

[3] See "Hipparch," i. 24; "Cyrop." V. v. 46.

[4] See above, III. vi. 1; Schneid. cf. Isocr. "Areop." 149 C.

[5] Cf. Soph. fr. 12, {sophoi turannoi ton sophon xunousia}.

[6] L. and S. cf. Plat. "Lys." 223 A; "Rep." 329 B: "Wishing to draw
him out."

[7] Cf. Plat. "Alc." i. 118 C: "And Pericles is said not to have got
his wisdom by the light of nature, but to have associated with
several of the philosophers" (Jowett).

On a subsequent occasion, Euthydemus being present, though, as was
plain to see, somewhat disposed to withdraw from the friendly
concourse,[8] as if he would choose anything rather than appear to
admire Socrates on the score of wisdom, the latter made the following
remarks.

[8] {sunedrias}, "the council."

Soc. It is clear from his customary pursuits, is it not, sirs, that
when our friend Euthydemus here is of full age, and the state
propounds some question for solution, he will not abstain from
offering the benefit of his advice? One can imagine the pretty
exordium to his parliamentary speeches which, in his anxiety not to be
thought to have learnt anything from anybody, he has ready for the
occasion.[9] Clearly at the outset he will deliver himself thus: "Men
of Athens, I have never at any time learnt anything from anybody; nor,
if I have ever heard of any one as being an able statesman, well
versed in speech and capable of action, have I sought to come across
him individually. I have not so much as been at pains to provide
muself with a teacher from amongst those who have knowledge;[10] on
the contrary, I have persistently avoided, I will not say learning
from others, but the very faintest suspicion of so doing. However,
anything that occurs to me by the light of nature I shall be glad to
place at your disposal." . . . How appropriate[11] would such a
preface sound on the lips of any one seeking, say, the office of state
physician,[12] would it not? How advantageously he might begin an
address on this wise: "Men of Athens, I have never learnt the art of
healing by help of anybody, nor have I sought to provide myself with
any teacher among medical men. Indeed, to put it briefly, I have been
ever on my guard not only against learning anything from the
profession, but against the very notion of having studied medicine at
all. If, however, you will be so good as to confer on me this post, I
promise I will do my best to acquire skill by experimenting on your
persons." Every one present laughed at the exordium (and there the
matter dropped).

[9] Or, "the pretty exordium . . . now in course of conposition. He
must at all hazards avoid the suspicion of having picked up any
crumb of learning from anybody; how can he help therefore
beginning his speech thus?"

[10] Or, "scientific experts."

[11] Al. "Just as if one seeking the office of state physician were to
begin with a like exordium." {armoseie} = "it would be consistent
(with what has gone before)."

[12] Schneider cf. Plat. "Laws," iv. 720 A; "Gorg." 456 A; and for
"the parish doctor," "Polit." 259 A; Arist. "Acharn." 1030.

Presently, when it became apparent that Euthydemus had got so far that
he was disposed to pay attention to what was said, though he was still
at pains not to utter a sound himself, as if he hoped by silence to
attach to himself some reputation for sagacity, Socrates, wishing to
cure him of that defect, proceeded.

Soc. Is it not surprising that people anxious to learn to play the
harp or the flute, or to ride, or to become proficient in any like
accomplishment, are not content to work unremittingly in private by
themselves at whatever it is in which they desire to excel, but they
must sit at the feet of the best-esteemed teachers, doing all things
and enduring all things for the sake of following the judgment of
those teachers in everything, as though they themselves could not
otherwise become famous; whereas, among those who aspire to become
eminent politically as orators and statesmen,[13] there are some who
cannot see why they should not be able to do all that politics demand,
at a moment's notice, by inspiration as it were, without any
preliminary pains or preparations whatever? And yet it would appear
that the latter concerns must be more difficult of achievement than
the former, in proportion as there are more competitors in the field
but fewer who reach the goal of their ambition, which is as much as to
say that a more sustained effort of attention is needed on the part of
those who embark upon the sea of politics than is elsewhere called
for.

[13] Or, more lit. "powerful in speech and action within the sphere of
politics."

Such were the topics on which Socrates was wont in the early days of
their association to dilate in the hearing of Euthydemus; but when the
philosopher perceived that the youth not only could tolerate the turns
of the discussion more readily but was now become a somewhat eager
listener, he went to the saddler's shop alone,[14] and when Euthydemus
was seated by his side the following conversation took place.

[14] The question arises: how far is the conversation historical or
imaginary?

Soc. Pray tell me, Euthydemus, is it really true what people tell me,
that you have made a large collection of the writings of "the wise,"
as they are called?[15]

[15] Or, "have collected several works of our classical authors and
philosophers."

Euthydemus answered: Quite true, Socrates, and I mean to go on
collecting until I possess all the books I can possibly lay hold of.

Soc. By Hera! I admire you for wishing to possess treasures of wisdom
rather than of gold and silver, which shows that you do not believe
gold and silver to be the means of making men better, but that the
thoughts[16] of the wise alone enrich with virtue their possessions.

[16] Lit. "gnomes," maxims, sententiae. Cf. Aristot. "Rhet." ii. 21.

And Euthydemus was glad when he heard that saying, for, thought he to
himself, "In the eyes of Socrates I am on the high road to the
acquisition of wisdom." But the latter, perceiving him to be pleased
with the praise, continued.

Soc. And what is it in which you desire to excel, Euthydemus, that you
collect books?

And when Euthydemus was silent, considering what answer he should
make, Socrates added: Possibly you want to be a great doctor? Why, the
prescriptions[17] of the Pharmacopoeia would form a pretty large
library by themselves.

[17] {suggrammata}, "medical treatises." See Aristot. "Eth." x. 9, 21.

No, indeed, not I! (answered Euthydemus).

Soc. Then do you wish to be an architect? That too implies a man of
well-stored wit and judgment.[18]

[18] Or, "To be that implies a considerable store of well-packed
wisdom."

I have no such ambition (he replied).

Soc. Well, do you wish to be a mathematician, like Theodorus?[19]

[19] Of Cyrene (cf. Plat. "Theaet.") taught Plato. Diog. Laert. ii. 8,
19.

Euth. No, nor yet a mathematician.

Soc. Then do you wish to be an astronomer?[20] or (as the youth
signified dissent) possibly a rhapsodist?[21] (he asked), for I am
told you have the entire works of Homer in your possession.[22]

[20] Cf. below, IV. vii. 4.

[21] See "Symp." iii. 6; Plat. "Ion."

[22] See Jowett, "Plato," i. 229; Grote, "Plato," i. 455.

Nay, God forbid! not I! (ejaculated the youth). Rhapsodists have a
very exact acquaintance with epic poetry, I know, of course; but they
are empty-pated creatures enough themselves.[23]

[23] Or, "are simply perfect in the art of reciting epic poetry, but
are apt to be the veriest simpletons themselves."

At last Socrates said: Can it be, Euthydemus, that you are an aspirant
to that excellence through which men become statesmen and
administrators fit to rule and apt to benefit[24] the rest of the
world and themselves?

[24] Or, "statesmen, and economists, and rules, and benefactors of
the rest of the world and themselves."

Yes (replied he), that is the excellence I desire--beyond measure.

Upon my word (said Socrates), then you have indeed selected as the
object of your ambition the noblest of virtues and the greatest of the
arts, for this is the property of kings, and is entitled "royal"; but
(he continued) have you considered whether it is possible to excel in
these matters without being just and upright?[25]

[25] Just, {dikaios} = upright, righteous. Justice, {dikaiosune} =
social uprightness = righteousness, N.T. To quote a friend: "The
Greek {dikaios} combines the active dealing out of justice with
the self-reflective idea of preserving justice in our conduct,
which is what we mean by 'upright.'"

Euth. Certainly I have, and I say that without justice and uprightness
it is impossible to be a good citizen.

No doubt (replied Socrates) you have accomplished that initial step?

Euth. Well, Socrates, I think I could hold my own against all comers
as an upright man.

And have upright men (continued Socrates) their distinctive and
appropriate works like those of carpenters or shoe-makers?

Euth. To be sure they have.

Soc. And just as the carpenter is able to exhibit his works and
products, the righteous man should be able to expound and set forth
his, should he not?

I see (replied Euthydemus) you are afraid I cannot expound the works
of righteousness! Why, bless me! of course I can, and the works of
unrighteousness into the bargain, since there are not a few of that
sort within reach of eye and ear every day.

Shall we then (proceeded Socrates) write the letter R on this
side,[26] and on that side the letter W; and then anything that
appears to us to be the product of righteousness we will place to the
R account, and anything which appears to be the product of wrong-doing
and iniquity to the account of W?

[26] The letter R (to stand for Right, Righteous, Upright, Just). The
letter W (to stand for Wrong, Unrighteous, Unjust).

By all means do so (he answered), if you think that it assists
matters.

Accordingly Socrates drew the letters, as he had suggested, and
continued.

Soc. Lying exists among men, does it not?

Euth. Certainly.

To which side of the account then shall we place it? (he asked).

Euth. Clearly on the side of wrong and injustice.

Soc. Deceit too is not uncommon?

Euth. By no means.

Soc. To which side shall we place deceit?

Euth. Deceit clearly on the side of wrong.

Soc. Well, and chicanery[27] or mischief of any sort?

[27] Reading {to kakourgein} (= furari, Sturz); al. {kleptein}, Stob.

Euth. That too.

Soc. And the enslavement of free-born men?[28]

[28] Or, "the kidnapping of men into slavery." {to andrapodizesthai} =
the reduction of a free-born man to a state of slavery. Slavery
itself ({douleia}) being regarded as the normal condition of a
certain portion of the human race and not in itself immoral.

Euth. That too.

Soc. And we cannot allow any of these to lie on the R side of the
account, to the side of right and justice, can we, Euthydemus?

It would be monstrous (he replied).

Soc. Very good. But supposing a man to be elected general, and he
succeeds in enslaving an unjust, wicked, and hostile state, are we to
say that he is doing wrong?

Euth. By no means.

Soc. Shall we not admit that he is doing what is right?

Euth. Certainly.

Soc. Again, suppose he deceives the foe while at war with them?

Euth. That would be all fair and right also.

Soc. Or steals and pillages their property? would he not be doing what
is right?

Euth. Certainly; when you began I thought you were limiting the
question to the case of friends.

Soc. So then everything which we set down on the side of Wrong will
now have to be placed to the credit of Right?

Euth. Apparently.

Soc. Very well then, let us so place them; and please, let us make a
new definition--that while it is right to do such things to a foe, it
is wrong to do them to a friend, but in dealing with the latter it
behoves us to be as straightforward as possible.[29]

[29] Or, "an absolutely straightforward course is necessary."

I quite assent (replied Euthydemus).

So far so good (remarked Socrates); but if a general, seeing his
troops demoralised, were to invent a tale to the effect that
reinforcements were coming, and by means of this false statement
should revive the courage of his men, to which of the two accounts
shall we place that act of fraud?[30]

[30] Cf. "Hell." IV. iii. 10; "Cyrop." I. vi. 31.

On the side of right, to my notion (he replied).

Soc. Or again, if a man chanced to have a son ill and in need of
medicine, which the child refused to take, and supposing the father by
an act of deceit to administer it under the guise of something nice to
eat, and by service of that lie to restore the boy to health, to which
account shall we set down this fraud?

Euth. In my judgment it too should be placed to the same account.

Soc. Well, supposing you have a friend in deplorably low spirits, and
you are afraid he will make away with himself--accordingly you rob him
of his knife or other such instrument: to which side ought we to set
the theft?

Euth. That too must surely be placed to the score of right behaviour.

Soc. I understand you to say that a straightforward course is not in
every case to be pursued even in dealing with friends?

Heaven forbid! (the youth exclaimed). If you will allow me, I rescind
my former statement.[31]

[31] See above, I. ii. 44 ({anatithemai}).

Soc. Allow you! Of course you may--anything rather than make a false
entry on our lists. . . . But there is just another point we ought not
to leave uninvestigated. Let us take the case of deceiving a friend to
his detriment: which is the more wrongful--to do so voluntarily or
unintentionally?

Euth. Really, Socrates, I have ceased to believe in my own answers,
for all my former admissions and conceptions seem to me other than I
first supposed them.[32] Still, if I may hazard one more opinion, the
intentional deceiver, I should say, is worse than the involuntary.

[32] Or, "all my original positions seem to me now other than I first
conceived them"; or, "everything I first asserted seems now to be
twisted topsy-turvy."

Soc. And is it your opinion that there is a lore and science of Right
and Justice just as there is of letters and grammar?[33]

[33] {mathesis kai episteme tou dikaiou}--a doctrine and a knowledge
of the Just.

Euth. That is my opinion.

Soc. And which should you say was more a man of letters[34]--he who
intentionally misspells or misreads, or he who does so unconsciously?

[34] Or, "more grammatical"; "the better grammarian."

Euth. He who does so intentionally, I should say, because he can spell
or read correctly whenever he chooses.

Soc. Then the voluntary misspeller may be a lettered person, but the
involuntary offender is an illiterate?[35]

[35] Or, "In fact, he who sins against the lore of grammer
intentionally may be a good grammarian and a man of letters, but
he who does so involuntarily is illiterate and a bad grammarian?"

Euth. True, he must be. I do not see how to escape from that
conclusion.

Soc. And which of the two knows what is right--he who intentionally
lies and deceives, or he who lies and deceives unconsciously?[36]

[36] Or, Soc. And does he who lies and deceives with intent know what
is right rather than he who does either or both unconsciously?

Euth. Clearly he does.

Euth. The intentional and conscious liar clearly.

Soc. Well then, your statement is this: on the one hand, the man who
has the knowledge of letters is more lettered than he who has no such
knowledge?[37]

[37] Or, Soc. It is a fair inference, is it not, that he who has the
{episteme} of grammar is more grammatical than he who has no such
{episteme}?

Euth. Yes.

Soc. And he who has the {episteme} of things rightful is more
righteous than he who lacks the {episteme}? See Plat. "Hipp.
min."; Arist. "Eth. Eud." VI. v. 7.

Euth. Yes.

Soc. And, on the other, he who has the knowledge of what is right is
more righteous than he who lacks that knowledge?

Euth. I suppose it is, but for the life of me I cannot make head or
tail of my own admission.[38]

[38] Lit. "Apparently; but I appear to myself to be saying this also,
heaven knows how." See Jowett, "Plato," ii. p. 416 (ed. 2).

Soc. Well (look at it like this). Suppose a man to be anxious to speak
the truth, but he is never able to hold the same language about a
thing for two minutes together. First he says: "The road is towards
the east," and then he says, "No, it's towards the west"; or, running
up a column of figures, now he makes the product this, and again he
makes it that, now more, now less--what do you think of such a man?

Euth. Heaven help us! clearly he does not know what he thought he
knew.

Soc. And you know the appellation given to certain people--
"slavish,"[39] or, "little better than a slave?"

[39] {andropododeis}, which has the connotation of mental dulness, and
a low order of intellect, cf. "boorish,' "rustic," "loutish,"
("pariah," conceivably). "Slavish," "servile," with us connote
moral rather than intellectual deficiency, I suppose. Hence it is
impossible to preserve the humour of the Socratic argument. See
Newman, op. cit. i. 107.

Euth. I do.

Soc. Is it a term suggestive of the wisdom or the ignorance of those
to whom it is applied?

Euth. Clearly of their ignorance.

Soc. Ignorance, for instance, of smithying?

Euth. No, certainly not.

Soc. Then possibly ignorance of carpentering?

Euth. No, nor yet ignorance of carpentering.

Soc. Well, ignorance of shoemaking?

Euth. No, nor ignorance of any of these: rather the reverse, for the
majority of those who do know just these matters are "little better
than slaves."

Soc. You mean it is a title particularly to those who are ignorant of
the beautiful, the good, the just?[40]

[40] Cf. Goethe's "Im Ganzen Guten Schonen resolut zu leben."

It is, in my opinion (he replied).

Soc. Then we must in every way strain every nerve to avoid the
imputation of being slaves?

Euth. Nay, Socrates, by all that is holy, I did flatter myself that at
any rate I was a student of philosophy, and on the right road to be
taught everything essential to one who would fain make beauty and
goodness his pursuit.[41] So that now you may well imagine my despair
when, for all my pains expended, I cannot even answer the questions
put to me about what most of all a man should know; and there is no
path of progress open to me, no avenue of improvement left.

[41] {tes kalokagathias}, the virtue of the {kalos te kagathos}--
nobility of soul. Cf. above, I. vi. 14.

Thereupon Socrates: Tell me, Euthydemus, have you ever been to Delphi?

Yes, certainly; twice (said he).

Soc. And did you notice an inscription somewhere on the temple: {GNOMI
SEAUTON}--KNOW THYSELF?

Euth. I did.

Soc. Did you, possibly, pay no regard to the inscription? or did you
give it heed and try to discover who and what you were?

I can safely say I did not (he answered). That much I made quite sure
I knew, at any rate; since if I did not know even myself, what in the
world did I know?

Soc. Can a man be said, do you think, to know himself who knows his
own name and nothing more? or must he not rather set to work precisely
like the would-be purchaser of a horse, who certainly does not think
that he has got the knowledge he requires until he has discovered
whether the beast is tractable or stubborn, strong or weak, quick or
slow, and how it stands with the other points, serviceable or the
reverse, in reference to the use and purpose of a horse? So, I say,
must a man in like manner interrogate his own nature in reference to a
man's requirements, and learn to know his own capacities, must he not?

Euth. Yes, so it strikes me: he who knows not his own ability knows
not himself.

Soc. And this too is plain, is it not: that through self-knowledge men
meet with countless blessings, and through ignorance of themselves
with many evils? Because, the man who knows himself knows what is
advantageous to himself; he discerns the limits of his powers, and by
doing what he knows, he provides himself with what he needs and so
does well; or, conversely, by holding aloof from what he knows not, he
avoids mistakes and thereby mishaps. And having now a test to gauge
other human beings he uses their need as a stepping-stone to provide
himself with good and to avoid evil. Whereas he who does not know
himself, but is mistaken as to his own capacity, is in like
predicament to the rest of mankind and all human matters else; he
neither knows what he wants, nor what he is doing, nor the people whom
he deals with; and being all abroad in these respects, he misses what
is good and becomes involved in what is ill.

Again, he that knows what he is doing through the success of his
performance attains to fame and honour; his peers and co-mates are
glad to make use of him, whilst his less successful neighbours,
failing in their affairs, are anxious to secure his advice, his
guidance, his protection;[42] they place their hopes of happiness in
him, and for all these causes[43] single him out as the chief object
of their affection. He, on the contrary, who knows not what he does,
who chooses amiss and fails in what he puts his hands to, not only
incurs loss and suffers chastisement through his blunders, but step by
step loses reputation and becomes a laughing-stock, and in the end is
doomed to a life of dishonour and contempt.

[42] Cf. Dante, "Tu duca, tu maestro, tu signore."

[43] Reading, {dia panta tauta}, or if {dia tauta}, translate "and
therefore."

What is true of individuals is true also of communities.[44] That
state which in ignorance of its power goes to war with a stronger than
itself ends by being uprooted or else reduced to slavery.

[44] Or, more lit. "A law which applies, you will observe, to bodies
politic."

Thereupon Euthydemus: Be assured I fully concur in your opinion; the
precept KNOW THYSELF cannot be too highly valued; but what is the
application? What the starting-point of self-examination? I look to
you for an explanation, if you would kindly give one.[45]

[45] Or, "at what point to commence the process of self-inspection?--
there is the mystery. I look to you, if you are willing, to
interpret it."

Well (replied Socrates), I presume you know quite well the distinction
between good and bad things: your knowledge may be relied upon so far?

Why, yes, to be sure (replied the youth); for without that much
discernment I should indeed be worse than any slave.[46]

[46] Lit. "if I did not know even that."

Come then (said he), do you give me an explanation of the things so
termed.

That is fortunately not hard (replied the youth). First of all, health
in itself I hold to be a good, and disease in itself an evil; and in
the next place the sources of either of those aforenamed, meats and
drinks, and habits of life,[47] I regard as good or evil according as
they contribute either to health or to disease.

[47] Or, "pursuits and occupations"; "manners and customs."

Soc. Then health and disease themselves when they prove to be soruces
of any good are good, but when of any evil, evil?

And when (asked he), can health be a source of evil, or disease a
source of good?

Why, bless me! often enough (replied Socrates). In the event, for
instance, of some ill-starred expedition or of some disastrous voyage
or other incident of the sort, of which veritably there are enough to
spare--when those who owing to their health and strength take a part
in the affair are lost; whilst those who were left behind--as hors de
combat, on account of ill-health of other feebleness--are saved.

Euth. Yes, you are right; but you will admit that there are advantages
to be got from strength and lost through weakness.

Soc. Even so; but ought we to regard those things which at one moment
benefit and at another moment injure us in any strict sense good
rather than evil?

Euth. No, certainly not, according to that line of argument. But
wisdom,[48] Socrates, you must on your side admit, is irrefragably a
good; since there is nothing which or in which a wise man would not do
better than a fool.

[48] See above, III. ix. 5. Here {sophia} is not = {sophrosune}.

Soc. What say you? Have you never heard of Daedalus,[49] how he was
seized by Minos on account of his wisdom, and forced to be his slave,
and robbed of fatherland and freedom at one swoop? and how, while
endeavouring to make his escape with his son, he caused the boy's
death without effecting his own salvation, but was carried off among
barbarians and again enslaved?

[49] See Ovid. "Met." viii. 159 foll., 261 foll.; Hygin. "Fab." 39,
40; Diod. Sic. iv. 79; Paus. vii. 4. 6.

Yes, I know the old story (he answered).[50]

[50] Or, "Ah yes, of course; the tale is current."

Soc. Or have you not heard of the "woes of Palamedes,"[51] that
commonest theme of song, how for his wisdom's sake Odysseus envied him
and slew him?

[51] See Virg. "Aen." ii. 90; Hygin. 105; Philostr. "Her." x.

Euth. That tale also is current.

Soc. And how many others, pray, do you suppose have been seized on
account of their wisdom, and despatched to the great king and at his
court enslaved?[52]

[52] Cf. Herod. iii. 129.

Well, prosperity, well-being[53] (he exclaimed), must surely be a
blessing, and that the most indisputable, Socrates?

[53] {to eudaimonein}, "happiness." Cf. Herod. i. 86.

It might be so (replied the philosopher) if it chanced not to be in
itself a compound of other questionable blessings.

Euth. And which among the components of happiness and well-being can
possibly be questionable?

None (he retorted), unless of course we are to include among these
components beauty, or strength, or wealth, or reputation, or anything
else of that kind?

Euth. By heaven! of course we are to include these, for what would
happiness be without these?

Soc. By heaven! yes; only then we shall be including the commonest
sources of mischief which befall mankind. How many are ruined by their
fair faces at the hand of admireres driven to distraction[54] by the
sight of beauty in its bloom! how many, tempted by their strength to
essay deeds beyond their power, are involved in no small evils! how
many, rendered effeminate by reason of their wealth, have been plotted
against and destroyed![55] how many through fame and political power
have suffered a world of woe!

[54] Cf. Plat. "Rep." vii. 517 D; "Phaedr." 249 D.

[55] e.g. Alcibiades.

Well (the youth replied) if I am not even right in praising happiness,
I must confess I know not for what one ought to supplicate the gods in
prayer.[56]

[56] See above for Socrates' own form of supplication.

Nay, these are matters (proceeded Socrates) which perhaps, through
excessive confidence in your knowledge of them, you have failed to
examine into; but since the state, which you are preparing yourself to
direct, is democratically constituted,[57] of course you know what a
democracy is.

[57] Or, "popularly governed."

Euth. I presume I do, decidedly.

Soc. Well, now, is it possible to know what a popular state is without
knowing who the people are?

Euth. Certainly not.

Soc. And whom do you consider to be the people?

Euth. The poor citizens, I should say.

Soc. Then you know who the poor are, of course?

Euth. Of course I do.

Soc. I presume you also know who the rich are?

Euth. As certainly as I know who are the poor.

Soc. Whom do you understand by poor and rich?

Euth. By poor I mean those who have not enough to pay for their
necessaries,[58] and by rich those who have more means than sufficient
for all their needs.

[58] Al. "who cannot contribute their necessary quota to the taxes
(according to the census)."

Soc. Have you noticed that some who possess a mere pittance not only
find this sufficient, but actually succeed in getting a surplus out of
it; while others do not find a large fortune large enough?

I have, most certainly; and I thank you for the reminder (replied
Euthydemus). One has heard of crowned heads and despotic rulers being
driven by want to commit misdeeds like the veriest paupers.

Then, if that is how matters stand (continued Socrates), we must class
these same crowned heads with the commonalty; and some possessors of
scant fortunes, provided they are good economists, with the wealthy?

Then Euthydemus: It is the poverty of my own wit which forces me to
this admission. I bethink me it is high time to keep silence
altogether; a little more, and I shall be proved to know absolutely
nothing. And so he went away crestfallen, in an agony of self-
contempt, persuaded that he was verily and indeed no better than a
slave.

Amongst those who were reduced to a like condition by Socrates, many
refused to come near him again, whom he for his part looked upon as
dolts and dullards.[59] But Euthydemus had the wit to understand that,
in order to become worthy of account, his best plan was to associate
as much as possible with Socrates; and from that moment, save for some
necessity, he never left him--in some points even imitating him in his
habits and pursuits. Socrates, on his side, seeing that this was the
young man's disposition, disturbed him as little as possible, but in
the simplest and plainest manner initiated him into everything which
he held to be needful to know or important to practise.

[59] Or, "as people of dull intelligence and sluggish temperament."
Cf. Plat. "Gorg." 488 A.


III

It may be inferred that Socrates was in no hurry for those who were
with him to discover capacities for speech and action or as inventive
geniuses,[1] without at any rate a well-laid foundation of self-
control.[2] For those who possessed such abilities without these same
saving virtues would, he believed, only become worse men with greater
power for mischief. His first object was to instil into those who were
with him a wise spirit in their relation to the gods.[3] That such was
the tenor of his conversation in dealing with men may be seen from the
narratives of others who were present on some particular occasion.[4]
I confine myself to a particular discussion with Euthydemus at which I
was present.

[1] Or, "as speakers" (see ch. vi. below), "and men of action" (see
ch. v. below), "or as masters of invention" (see ch. vii. below).

[2] Or, "but as prior to those excellences must be engrafted in them
{sophrosune} (the virtues of temperance and sanity of soul)."

[3] Lit. "His first object and endeavour was to make those who were
with him {sophronas} (sound of soul) as regards the gods."

[4] Reading after Herbst, Cobet, etc., {diegountai}, or if vulg.
{diegounto}, translate, "from the current accounts penned during
his lifetime by the other witnesses." For {alloi} see K. Joel, op.
cit. pp. 15, 23; above, "Mem." I. iv. 1.

Socrates said:[5] Tell me, Euthydemus, has it ever struck you to
observe what tender pains the gods have taken to furnish man with all
his needs?

[5] For the subject matter of this "teleological" chapter, see above,
I. iv.; K. Joel, op. cit. Appendix, p. 547 foll. in ref. to
Dummler's views.

Euth. No indeed, I cannot say that it has ever struck me.

Well (Socrates cotinued), you do not need to be reminded that, in the
first place, we need light, and with light the gods supply us.

Euth. Most true, and if we had not got it we should, as far as our own
eyes could help us, be like men born blind.

Soc. And then, again, seeing that we stand in need of rest and
relaxation, they bestow upon us "the blessed balm of silent night."[6]

[6] {kalliston anapauterion}. The diction throughout is "poetical."

Yes (he answered), we are much beholden for that boon.

Soc. Then, forasmuch as the sun in his splendour makes manifest to us
the hours of the day and bathes all things in brightness, but anon
night in her darkness obliterates distinctions, have they not
displayed aloft the starry orbs, which inform us of the watches of the
night, whereby we can accomplish many of our needs?[7]

[7] e.g. for temple orientation see Dr. Penrose quoted by Norman
Lockyer, "Nature," August 31. 1893.

It is so (he answered).

Soc. And let us not forget that the moon herself not only makes clear
to us the quarters of the night, but of the month also?

Certainly (he answered).

Soc. And what of this: that whereas we need nutriment, this too the
heavenly powers yield us? Out of earth's bosom they cause good to
spring up[8] for our benefit; and for our benefit provide appropriate
seasons to furnish us in turn not only with the many and diverse
objects of need, but with the sources also of our joy and gladness?[9]

[8] Cf. Plat. "Laws," 747 D.

[9] Or, "pleasure."

Yes (he answered earerly), these things bear token truly to a love for
man.[10]

[10] Cf. Plat. "Laws," 713 D; "Symp." 189 D. "These things are signs
of a beneficient regard for man."

Soc. Well, and what of another priceless gift, that of water, which
conspires with earth and the seasons to give both birth and increase
to all things useful to us; nay, which helps to nurture our very
selves, and commingling with all that feeds us, renders it more
digestible, more wholesome, and more pleasant to the taste; and mark
you in proportion to the abundance of our need the superabundance of
its supply. What say you concerning such a boon?

Euth. In this again I see a sign of providential care.

Soc. And then the fact that the same heavenly power has provided us
with fire[11]--our assistant against cold, our auxiliary in darkness,
our fellow-workman in every art and every instrument which for the
sake of its utility mortal man may invent or furnish himself withal.
What of this, since, to put it compendiously, there is nothing
serviceable to the life of man worth speaking of but owes its
fabrication to fire?[12]

[11] Lit. "and then the fact that they made provision for us of even
fire"; the credit of this boon, according to Hesiod, being due to
Prometheus.

[12] Or, "no life-aiding appliance worthy of the name."

Euth. Yes, a transcendent instance of benevolent design.[13]

[13] Or, "Yes, that may be called an extreme instance of the divine
'philanthropy.'" Cf. Cic. "de N. D." ii. 62.

Soc. Again, consider the motions of the Sun,[14] how when he has
turned him about in winter[15] he again draws nigh to us, ripening
some fruits, and causing others whose time is past to dry up; how when
he has fulfilled his work he comes no closer, but turns away as if in
fear to scorch us to our hurt unduly; and again, when he has reached a
point where if he should prolong his reatreat we should plainly be
frozen to death with cold, note how he turns him about and resumes his
approach, traversing that region of the heavens where he may shed his
genial influence best upon us.

[14] A single MS. inserts a passage {to de kai era . . .
'Anekphraston}.

[15] i.e. as we say, "after the winter solstice."

Yes, upon my word (he answered), these occurrences bear the impress of
being so ordered for the sake of man.

Soc. And then, again, it being manifest that we could not endure
either scorching heat or freezing cold if they came suddenly upon us,
note how gradually the sun approaches, and how gradually recedes, so
that we fail to notice how we come at last to either extreme.[16]

[16] Or, "note the gradual approach and gradual recession of the sun-
god, so gradual that we reach either extreme in a manner
imperceptibly, and before we are aware of its severity."

For my part (he replied), the question forces itself upon my mind,
whether the gods have any other occupation save only to minister to
man; and I am only hindered from saying so, because the rest of
animals would seem to share these benefits along with man.

Soc. Why, to be sure; and is it not plain that these animals
themselves are born and bred for the sake of man? At any rate, no
living creature save man derives so many of his enjoyments from sheep
and goats, horses and cattle and asses, and other animals. He is more
dependent, I should suppose, on these than even on plants and
vegetables. At any rate, equally with these latter they serve him as
means of subsistence or articles of commerce; indeed, a large portion
of the human family do not use the products of the soil as food at
all, but live on the milk and cheese and flesh of their flocks and
herds, whilst all men everywhere tame and domesticate the more useful
kinds of animals, and turn them to account as fellow-workers in war
and for other purposes.

Yes, I cannot but agree with what you say (he answered), when I see
that animals so much stronger than man become so subservient to his
hand that he can use them as he lists.

Soc. And as we reflect on the infinite beauty and utility and the
variety of nature, what are we to say of the fact that man has been
endowed with sensibilities which correspond with this diversity,
whereby we take our fill of every blessing;[17] or, again, this
implanted faculty of reasoning, which enables us to draw inferences
concerning the things which we perceive, and by aid of memory to
understand how each set of things may be turned to our good, and to
devise countless contrivances with a view to enjoying the good and
repelling the evil; or lastly, when we consider the faculty bestowed
upon us of interpretative speech, by which we are enabled to instruct
one another, and to participate in all the blessings fore-named: to
form societies, to establish laws, and to enter upon a civilised
existence[18]--what are we to think?

[17] Or, "Again, when we consider how many beautiful objects there are
serviceable to man, and yet how unlike they are to one another,
the fact that man has been endowed with senses adapted to each
class of things, and so has access to a world of happiness."

[18] Cf. Aristot. "Pol." III. ix. 5.

Euth. Yes, Socrates, decidely it would appear that the gods do
manifest a great regard, nay, a tender care, towards mankind.

Soc. Well, and what do you make of the fact that where we are
powerless to take advantageous forethought for our future, at this
stage they themselves lend us their co-operation, imparting to the
inquirer through divination knowledge of events about to happen, and
instructing him by what means they may best be turned to good account?

Euth. Ay, and you, Socrates, they would seem to treat in a more
friendly manner still than the rest of men, if, without waiting even
to be inquired of by you, they show you by signs beforehand what you
must, and what you must not do.[19]

[19] See above, I. iv. 14, for a parallel to the train of thought on
the part of Aristodemus "the little," and of Euthydemus; and for
Socrates' {daimonion}, see above; Grote, "Plato," i. 400.

Soc. Yes, and you will discover for youself the truth of what I say,
if, without waiting to behold the outward and visible forms[20] of the
gods themselves, you will be content to behold their works; and with
these before you, to worship and honour the Divine authors of
them.[21] I would have you reflect that the very gods themselves
suggest this teaching.[22] Not one of these but gives us freely of his
blessings; yet they do not step from behind their veil in order to
grant one single boon.[23] And pre-eminently He who orders and holds
together the universe,[24] in which are all things beautiful and
good;[25] who fashions and refashions it to never-ending use unworn,
keeping it free from sickness or decay,[26] so that swifter than
thought it ministers to his will unerringly--this God is seen to
perform the mightiest operations, but in the actual administration of
the same abides himself invisible to mortal ken. Reflect further, this
Sun above our heads, so visible to all--as we suppose--will not suffer
man to regard him too narrowly, but should any essay to watch him with
a shameless stare he will snatch away their power of vision. And if
the gods themselves are thus unseen, so too shall you find their
ministers to be hidden also; from the height of heaven above the
thunderbolt is plainly hurled, and triumphs over all that it
encounters, yet it is all-invisible, no eye may detect its coming or
its going at the moment of its swoop. The winds also are themselves
unseen, though their works are manifest, and through their approach we
are aware of them. And let us not forget, the soul of man himself,
which if aught else human shares in the divine--however manifestly
enthroned within our bosom, is as wholly as the rest hidden from our
gaze. These things you should lay to mind, and not despise the
invisible ones, but learn to recognise their power, as revealed in
outward things, and to know the divine influence.[27]

[20] Cf. Cic. "de N. D." I. xii. 31; Lactantius, "de Ira," xi. 13.

[21] See L. Dindorf ad loc. (ed. Ox. 1862), {theous}; G. Sauppe, vol.
iii. "An. crit." p. xxix; R. Kuhner; C. Schenkl.

[22] i.e. "that man must walk by faith." For {upodeiknunai} cf.
"Econ." xii. 18.

[23] Schneid. cf. Plat. "Crat." 396.

[24] Or, "the co-ordinator and container of the universe."

[25] Or, "in whom all beauty and goodness is."

[26] Cf. "Cyrop." VIII. vii. 22; above, I. iv. 13.

[27] {to daimonion}, the divinity.

Nay, Socrates (replied Euthydemus), there is no danger I shall turn a
deaf ear to the divine influence even a little; of that I am not
afraid, but I am out of heart to think that no soul of man may ever
requite the kindness of the gods with fitting gratitude.

Be not out of heart because of that (he said); you know what answer
the god at Delphi makes to each one who comes asking "how shall I
return thanks to heaven?"--"According to the law and custom of your
city"; and this, I presume, is law and custom everywhere that a man
should please the gods with offerings according to the ability which
is in him.[28] How then should a man honour the gods with more
beautiful or holier honour than by doing what they bid him? but he
must in no wise slacken or fall short of his ability, for when a man
so does, it is manifest, I presume, that at the moment he is not
honouring the gods. You must then honour the gods, not with
shortcoming but according to your ability; and having so done, be of
good cheer and hope to receive the greatest blessings. For where else
should a man of sober sense look to receive great blessings if not
from those who are able to help him most, and how else should he hope
to obtain them save by seeking to please his helper, and how may he
hope to please his helper better than by yielding him the amplest
obedience?

[28] Or, "and that law, I presume, is universal which says, Let a
man," etc.; and for the maxim see above; "Anab." III. ii. 9.

By such words--and conduct corresponding to his words--did Socrates
mould and fashion the hearts of his companions, making them at once
more devout and more virtuous.[29]

[29] Or, "sounder of soul and more temperate as well as more pious."


IV

But indeed[1] with respect to justice and uprightness he not only made
no secret of the opinion he held, but gave practical demonstration of
it, both in private by his law-abiding and helpful behaviour to
all,[2] and in public by obeying the magistrates in all that the laws
enjoined, whether in the life of the city or in military service, so
that he was a pattern of loyalty to the rest of the world, and on
three several occasions in particular: first, when as president
(Epistates) of the assembly he would not suffer the sovereign people
to take an unconstitutional vote,[3] but ventured, on the side of the
laws, to resist a current of popular feeling strong enough, I think,
to have daunted any other man. Again, when the Thirty tried to lay
some injunction on him contrary to the laws, he refused to obey, as
for instance when they forbade his conversing with the young;[4] or
again, when they ordered him and certain other citizens to arrest a
man to be put to death,[5] he stood out single-handed on the ground
that the injunctions laid upon him were contrary to the laws. And
lastly, when he appeared as defendant in the suit instituted by
Meletus,[6] notwithstanding that it was customary for litigants in the
law courts to humour the judges in the conduct of their arguments by
flattery and supplications contrary to the laws,[7] notwithstanding
also that defendants owed their acquittal by the court to the
employment of such methods, he refused to do a single thing however
habitual in a court of law which was not strictly legal; and though by
only a slight deflection from the strict path he might easily have
been acquitted by his judges,[8] he preferred to abide by the laws and
die rather than transgress them and live.

[1] L. Dindorf suspects [SS. 1-6, {'Alla men . . . pollakis}], ed.
Lips. 1872. See also Praef. to Ox. ed. p. viii.

[2] Or, "by his conduct to all, which was not merely innocent in the
eye of law and custom but positively helpful."

[3] See above, I. i. 18; "Hell." I. vii. 14, 15; Grote, "H. G." viii.
272.

[4] See above, I. ii. 35.

[5] Leon of Salamis. See "Hell." II. iii. 39; Plat. "Apol." 32 C;
Andoc. "de Myst." 46.

[6] See above, I. i. 1; Plat. "Apol." 19 C.

[7] Kuhner cf. Quintil. VI. i. 7: "Athenis affectus movere etiam per
praeconem prohibatur orator"; "Apol." 4; Plat. "Apol." 38 D, E.

[8] See Grote, "H. G." viii. p. 663 foll.

These views he frequently maintained in conversation, now with one and
now with another, and one particular discussion with Hippias of
Elis[9] on the topic of justice and uprightness has come to my
knowledge.[10]

[9] For this famous person see Cob. "Pros. Xen." s.n.; Plat. "Hipp.
maj." 148; Quint. xii. 11, 21; Grote, "H. G." viii. 524.

[10] Or, "I can personally vouch for."

Hippias had just arrived at Athens after a long absence, and chanced
to be present when Socrates was telling some listeners how astonishing
it was that if a man wanted to get another taught to be a shoemaker or
carpenter or coppersmith or horseman, he would have no doubt where to
send him for the purpose: "People say,"[11] he added, "that if a man
wants to get his horse or his ox taught in the right way,[12] the
world is full of instructors; but if he would learn himself, or have
his son or his slave taught in the way of right, he cannot tell where
to find such instruction."

[11] L. Dindorf, after Ruhnken and Valckenar, omits this sentence
{phasi de tines . . . didaxonton}. See Kuhner ad loc. For the
sentiment see Plat. "Apol." 20 A.

[12] Cf. "Cyrop." II. ii. 26; VIII. iii. 38; also "Horsem." iii. 5;
"Hunting," vii. 4.

Hippias, catching the words, exclaimed in a bantering tone: What!
still repeating the same old talk,[13] Socrates, which I used to hear
from you long ago?

[13] This tale is repeated by Dio Chrys. "Or." III. i. 109. Cf. Plat.
"Gorg." 490 E.

Yes (answered Socrates), and what is still more strange, Hippias, it
is not only the same old talk but about the same old subjects. Now
you, I daresay, through versatility of knowledge,[14] never say the
same thing twice over on the same subject?

[14] Or, "such is the breadth of your learning," {polumathes}. Cf.
Plat. "Hipp. maj."

To be sure (he answered), my endeavour is to say something new on all
occasions.

What (he asked) about things which you know, as for instance in a case
of spelling, if any one asks you, "How many letters in Socrates, and
what is their order?"[15] I suppose you try to run off one string of
letters to-day and to-morrow another? or to a question of arithmetic,
"Does twice five make ten?" your answer to-day will differ from that
of yesterday?

[15] Cf. "Econ." viii. 14; Plat. "Alc." i. 113 A.

Hipp. No; on these topics, Socrates, I do as you do and repeat myself.
However, to revert to justice (and uprightness),[16] I flatter myself
I can at present furnish you with some remarks which neither you nor
any one else will be able to controvert.

[16] Or, "on the topic of the just I have something to say at present
which," etc.

By Hera![17] (he exclaimed), what a blessing to have discovered![18]
Now we shall have no more divisions of opinion on points of right and
wrong; judges will vote unanimously; citizens will cease wrangling;
there will be no more litigation, no more party faction, states will
reconcile their differences, and wars are ended. For my part I do not
know how I can tear myself away from you, until I have heard from your
own lips all about the grand discovery you have made.

[17] See above, I. v. 5.

[18] Or, "what a panacea are you the inventor of"; lit. "By Hera, you
have indeed discovered a mighty blessing, if juries are to cease
recording their verdicts 'aye' and 'no'; if citizens are to cease
their wranglings on points of justice, their litigations, and
their party strifes; if states are to cease differing on matters
of right and wrong and appealing to the arbitrament of war."

You shall hear all in good time (Hippias answered), but not until you
make a plain statement of your own belief. What is justice? We have
had enough of your ridiculing all the rest of the world, questioning
and cross-examining first one and then the other, but never a bit will
you render an account to any one yourself or state a plain opinion
upon a single topic.[19]

[19] See Plat. "Gorg." 465 A.

What, Hippias (Socrates retorted), have you not observed that I am in
a chronic condition of proclaiming what I regard as just and upright?

Hipp. And pray what is this theory[20] of yours on the subject? Let us
have it in words.

[20] {o logos}.

Soc. If I fail to proclaim it in words, at any rate I do so in deed
and in fact. Or do you not think that a fact is worth more as evidence
than a word?[21]

[21] Or, "is of greater evidential value," "ubi res adsunt, quid opus
est verbis?"

Worth far more, I should say (Hippias answered), for many a man with
justice and right on his lips commits injustice and wrong, but no doer
of right ever was a misdoer or could possibly be.

Soc. I ask then, have you ever heard or seen or otherwise perceived me
bearing false witness or lodging malicious information, or stirring up
strife among friends or political dissension in the city, or
committing any other unjust and wrongful act?

No, I cannot say that I have (he answered).

Soc. And do you not regard it as right and just to abstain from
wrong?[22]

[22] Or, "is not abstinence from wrongdoing synonymous with righteous
behaviour?"

Hipp. Now you are caught, Socrates, plainly trying to escape from a
plain statement. When asked what you believe justice to be, you keep
telling us not what the just man does, but what he does not do.

Why, I thought for my part (answered Socrates) that the refusal to do
wrong and injustice was a sufficient warrent in itself of
righteousness and justice, but if you do not agree, see if this
pleases you better: I assert that what is "lawful" is "just and
righteous."

Do you mean to assert (he asked) that lawful and just are synonymous
terms?

Soc. I do.

I ask (Hippias added), for I do not perceive what you mean by lawful,
nor what you mean by just.[23]

[23] Lit. "what sort of lawful or what sort of just is spoken of."

Soc. You understand what is meant by laws of a city or state?

Yes (he answered).

Soc. What do you take them to be?

Hipp. The several enactments drawn up by the citizens or members of a
state in agreement as to what things should be done or left undone.

Then I presume (Socrates continued) that a member of a state who
regulates his life in accordance with these enactments will be law-
abiding, while the transgressor of the same will be law-less?

Certainly (he answered).

Soc. And I presume the law-loving citizen will do what is just and
right, while the lawless man will do what is unjust and wrong?

Hipp. Certainly.

Soc. And I presume that he who does what is just is just, and he who
does what is unjust is unjust?

Hipp. Of course.

Soc. It would appear, then, that the law-loving man is just, and the
lawless unjust?

Then Hippias: Well, but laws, Socrates, how should any one regard as a
serious matter either the laws themselves, or obedience to them, which
laws the very people who made them are perpetually rejecting and
altering?

Which is also true of war (Socrates replied); cities are perpetually
undertaking war and then making peace again.

Most true (he answered).

Soc. If so, what is the difference between depreciating obedience to
law because laws will be repealed, and depreciating good discipline in
war because peace will one day be made? But perhaps you object to
enthusiasm displayed in defence of one's home and fatherland in war?

No, indeed I do not! I heartily approve of it (he answered).

Soc. Then have you laid to heart the lesson taught by Lycurgus to the
Lacedaemonians,[24] and do you understand that if he succeeded in
giving Sparta a distinction above other states, it was only by
instilling into her, beyond all else, a spirit of obedience to the
laws? And among magistrates and rulers in the different states, you
would scarcely refuse the palm of superiority to those who best
contribute to make their fellow-citizens obedient to the laws? And you
would admit that any particular state in which obedience to the laws
is the paramount distinction of the citizens flourishes most in peace
time, and in time of war is irresistible? But, indeed, of all the
blessings which a state may enjoy, none stands higher than the
blessing of unanimity. "Concord among citizens"--that is the constant
theme of exhortation emphasised by the councils of elders[25] and by
the choice spirits of the community;[26] at all times and everywhere
through the length and breadth of all Hellas it is an established law
that the citizens be bound together by an oath of concord;[27]
everywhere they do actually swear this oath; not of course as implying
that citizens shall all vote for the same choruses, or give their
plaudits to the same flute-players, or choose the same poets, or limit
themselves to the same pleasures, but simply that they shall pay
obedience to the laws, since in the end that state will prove most
powerful and most prosperous in which the citizens abide by these; but
without concord neither can a state be well administered nor a
household well organised.

[24] Cf. "Pol. Lac." viii. See Newman, op. cit. i. 396.

[25] Lit. "the Gerousiai." {S} or {X S} uses the Spartan phraseology.

[26] Lit. "the best men." {S} or {X S} speaks as an "aristocrat."

[27] Cf. "Hell." II. iv. 43; Lys. xxv. 21 foll.; Schneid. cf. Lycurg.
"u Leocr." 189.

And if we turn to private life, what better protection can a man have
than obedience to the laws? This shall be his safeguard against
penalties, his guarantee of honours at the hands of the community; it
shall be a clue to thread his way through the mazes of the law courts
unbewildered, secure against defeat, assured of victory.[28] It is to
him, the law-loving citizen, that men will turn in confidence when
seeking a guardian of the most sacred deposits, be it of money or be
it their sons or daughters. He, in the eyes of the state collectively,
is trustworthy--he and no other; who alone may be depended on to
render to all alike their dues--to parents and kinsmen and servants,
to friends and fellow-citizens and foreigners. This is he whom the
enemy will soonest trust to arrange an armistice, or a truce, or a
treaty of peace. They would like to become the allies of this man, and
to fight on his side. This is he to whom the allies[29] of his country
will most confidently entrust the command of their forces, or of a
garrison, or their states themselves. This, again, is he who may be
counted on to recompense kindness with gratitude, and who, therefore,
is more sure of kindly treatment than another whose sense of gratitude
is fuller.[30] The most desirable among friends, the enemy of all
others to be avoided, clearly he is not the person whom a foreign
state would choose to go to war with; encompassed by a host of friends
and exempt from foes, his very character has a charm to compel
friendship and alliance, and before him hatred and hostility melt
away.

[28] Or, "ignorant of hostile, assured of favourable verdict."

[29] Lit. "the Allies," e.g. of Sparta or of Athens, etc.

[30] Lit. "From whom may the doer of a deed of kindness more
confidently expect the recompense of gratitude than from your
lover of the law? and whom would one select as the recipient of
kindness rather than a man susceptible of gratitude?"

And now, Hippias, I have done my part; that is my proof and
demonstration that the "lawful" and "law-observant" are synonymous
with the "upright" and the "just"; do you, if you hold a contrary
view, instruct us.[31]

[31] For the style of this enconium (of the {nomimos}) cf. "Ages." i.
36; and for the "Socratic" reverence for law cf. Plat. "Crito."

Then Hippias: Nay, upon my soul, Socrates, I am not aware of holding
any contrary opinion to what you have uttered on the theme of
justice.[32]

[32] Lit. "the just and upright," {tou dikaiou}.

Soc. But now, are you aware, Hippias, of certain unwritten laws?[33]

[33] See Soph. "Antig." "Oed. T." 865, and Prof. Jebb ad loc.; Dem.
"de Cor." 317, 23; Aristot. "Rhet." I. xiii.

Yes (he answered), those held in every part of the world, and in the
same sense.

Can you then assert (asked Socrates) of these unwritten laws that men
made them?

Nay, how (he answered) should that be, for how could they all have
come together from the ends of the earth? and even if they had so
done, men are not all of one speech?[34]

[34] Or, "there would be difficulty of understanding each other, and a
babel of tongues."

Soc. Whom then do you believe to have been the makers of these laws.

Hipp. For my part, I think that the gods must have made these laws for
men, and I take it as proof that first and foremost it is a law and
custom everywhere to worship and reverence the gods.

Soc. And, I presume, to honour parents is also customary everywhere?

Yes, that too (he answered).

Soc. And, I presume, also the prohibition of intermarriage between
parents and children?

Hipp. No; at that point I stop, Socrates. That does not seem to me to
be a law of God.

Now, why? (he asked).

Because I perceive it is not infrequently transgressed (he
answered).[35]

[35] Or, "as I perceive, it is not of universal application, some
transgress it."

Soc. Well, but there are a good many other things which people do
contrary to law; only the penalty, I take it, affixed to the
transgression of the divine code is certain; there is no escape for
the offender after the manner in which a man may transgress the laws
of man with impunity, slipping through the fingers of justice by
stealth, or avoiding it by violence.

Hipp. And what is the inevitable penalty paid by those who, being
related as parents and children, intermingle in marriage?

Soc. The greatest of all penalties; for what worse calamity can human
beings suffer in the production of offspring than to misbeget?[36]

[36] Or, "in the propagation of the species than to produce
misbegotten children."

Hipp. But how or why should they breed them ill where nothing hinders
them, being of a good stock themselves and producing from stock as
good?

Soc. Because, forsooth, in order to produce good children, it is not
simply necessary that the parents should be good and of a good stock,
but that both should be equally in the prime and vigour of their
bodies.[37] Do you suppose that the seed of those who are at their
prime is like theirs who either have not yet reached their prime, or
whose prime has passed?

[37] Cf. Plat. "Laws," viii. 839 A; Herbst, etc., cf. Grotius, "de
Jure," ii. 5, xii. 4.

Hipp. No, it is reasonable to expect that the seed will differ.

Soc. And for the better--which?

Hipp. Theirs clearly who are at their prime.

Soc. It would seem that the seed of those who are not yet in their
prime or have passed their prime is not good?

Hipp. It seems most improbable it should be.

Soc. Then the right way to produce children is not that way?

Hipp. No, that is not the right way.

Soc. Then children who are so produced are produced not as they ought
to be?

Hipp. So it appears to me.

What offspring then (he asked) will be ill produced, ill begotten, and
ill born, if not these?

I subscribe to that opinion also (replied Hippias).

Soc. Well, it is a custom universally respected, is it not, to return
good for good, and kindness with kindness?

Hipp. Yes, a custom, but one which again is apt to be transgressed.

Soc. Then he that so transgresses it pays penalty in finding himself
isolated; bereft of friends who are good, and driven to seek after
those who love him not. Or is it not so that he who does me kindness
in my intercourse with him is my good friend, but if I requite not
this kindness to my benefactor, I am hated by him for my ingratitude,
and yet I must needs pursue after him and cling to him because of the
great gain to me of his society?

Hipp. Yes, Socrates. In all these cases, I admit, there is an
implication of divine authority;[38] that a law should in itself be
loaded with the penalty of its transgression does suggest to my mind a
higher than human type of legistlator.

[38] Lit. "Yes, upon my word, Socrates, all these cases look very like
(would seem to point to) the gods."

Soc. And in your opinion, Hippias, is the legislation of the gods just
and righteous, or the reverse of what is just and righteous?

Hipp. Not the reverse of what is just and righteous, Socrates, God
forbid! for scarcely could any other legislate aright, of not God
himself.

Soc. It would seem then, Hippias, the gods themselves are well pleased
that "the lawful" and "the just" should be synonymous?[39]

[39] Or, "it is well pleasing also to the gods that what is lawful is
just and what is just is lawful."

By such language and by such conduct, through example and precept
alike, he helped to make those who approached him more upright and
more just.


V

And now I propose to show in what way he made those who were with him
more vigorous in action.[1] In the first place, as befitted one whose
creed was that a basis of self-command is indispensable to any noble
performance, he manifested himself to his companions as one who had
pre-eminently disciplined himself;[2] and in the next place by
conversation and discussion he encouraged them to a like self-
restraint beyond all others.[3] Thus it was that he continued ever
mindful himself, and was continually reminding all whom he
encountered, of matters conducive to virtue; as the following
discussion with Euthydemus, which has come to my knowledge,[4] will
serve to illustrate--the topic of the discussion being self-command.

[1] Lit. "more practical," i.e. more energetic and effective.

[2] "If any one might claim to be a prince of ascetics, it was
Socrates; such was the ineffaceable impression left on the minds
of his associates."

[3] Or, "he stimulated in these same companions a spirit of self-
restraint beyond all else."

[4] Or, "which I can vouch for."

Tell me, Euthydemus (he began), do you believe freedom to be a noble
and magnificent acquisition, whether for a man or for a state?

I cannot conceive a nobler or more magnificent (he answered).

Soc. Then do you believe him to be a free man who is ruled by the
pleasures of the body, and thereby cannot perform what is best?

Certainly not (he answered).

Soc. No! for possibly to perform what is best appears to you to savour
of freedom? And, again, to have some one over you who will prevent you
doing the like seems a loss of freedom?

Most decidedly (he answered).

Soc. It would seem you are decidedly of opinion that the incontinent
are the reverse of free?[5]

[5] Or, "incontinency is illiberal."

Euth. Upon my word, I much suspect so.

Soc. And does it appear to you that the incontinent man is merely
hindered from doing what is noblest, or that further he is impelled to
do what is most shameful?

Euth. I think he is as much driven to the one as he is hindered from
the other.

Soc. And what sort of lords and masters are those, think you, who at
once put a stop to what is best and enforce what is worst?

Euth. Goodness knows, they must be the very worst of masters.

Soc. And what sort of slavery do you take to be the worst?

I should say (he answered) slavery to the worst masters.

It would seem then (pursued Socrates) that the incontinent man is
bound over to the worst sort of slavery, would it not?

So it appears to be (the other answered).

Soc. And does it not appear to you that this same beldame incontinence
shuts out wisdom, which is the best of all things,[6] from mankind,
and plunges them into the opposite? Does it not appear to you that she
hinders men from attending to things which will be of use and benefit,
and from learning to understand them; that she does so by dragging
them away to things which are pleasant; and often though they are well
aware of the good and of the evil, she amazes and confounds[7] their
wits and makes them choose the worse in place of the better?

[6] "Wisdom, the greatest good which men can possess."

[7] Schneid. cf. Plat. "Protag." 355 A; and "Symp." iv. 23.

Yes, so it comes to pass (he answered).

Soc. And[8] soundness of soul, the spirit of temperate modesty? Who
has less claim to this than the incontinent man? The works of the
temperate spirit and the works of incontinency are, I take it,
diametrically opposed?

[8] "And if this be so concerning wisdom, {sophia}, what of
{sophrasune}, soundness of soul--sobriety?"

That too, I admit (he answered).

Soc. If this then be so concerning these virtues,[9] what with regard
to carefulness and devotion to all that ought to occupy us? Can
anything more seriously militate against these than this same
incontinence?

[9] Or add, "If this be so concerning not wisdom only, but concerning
temperance and soundness of soul, what," etc.

Nothing that I can think of (he replied).

Soc. And can worse befall a man, think you? Can he be subjected to a
more baleful influence than that which induces him to choose what is
hurtful in place of what is helpful; which cajoles him to devote
himself to the evil and to neglect the good; which forces him, will he
nill he, to do what every man in his sober senses would shrink from
and avoid?

I can imagine nothing worse (he replied).

Soc. Self-control, it is reasonable to suppose, will be the cause of
opposite effects upon mankind to those of its own opposite, the want
of self-control?

Euth. It is to be supposed so.

Soc. And this, which is the source of opposite effects to the very
worst, will be the very best of things?

Euth. That is the natural inference.

Soc. It looks, does it not, Euthydemus, as if self-control were the
best thing a man could have?

It does indeed, Socrates (he answered).

Soc. But now, Euthydemus, has it ever occurred to you to note one
fact?

What fact? (he asked).

Soc. That, after all, incontinency is powerless to bring us to that
realm of sweetness which some look upon[10] as her peculiar province;
it is not incontinency but self-control alone which has the passport
to highest pleasures.

[10] Or, "which we are apt to think of as."

In what way? (he asked). How so?

Why, this way (Socrates answered): since incontinency will not suffer
us to resist hunger and thirst, or to hold out against sexual
appetite, or want of sleep (which abstinences are the only channels to
true pleasure in eating and drinking, to the joys of love, to sweet
repose and blissful slumber won by those who will patiently abide and
endure till each particular happiness is at the flood)[11]--it comes
to this: by incontinency we are cut off from the full fruition of the
more obvious and constantly recurring pleasures.[12] To self-control,
which alone enables us to endure the pains aforesaid, alone belongs
the power to give us any pleasure worth remembering in these common
cases.

[11] Or, "at its season." Lit. "is as sweet as possible."

[12] Or, "from tasting to any extent worth speaking of the most
necessary and all-pervading sources of happiness."

You speak the words of truth[13] (he answered).

[13] Lit. "What you say is absolutely and entirely true" (the "vraie
verite" of the matter).

Soc. Furthermore,[14] if there be any joy in learning aught "beautiful
and good," or in patient application to such rules as may enable a man
to manage his body aright, or to administer his household well, or to
prove himself useful to his friends and to the state, or to dominate
his enemies--which things are the sources not only of advantage but of
deepest satisifaction[15]--to the continent and self-controlled it is
given to reap the fruits of them in their performance. It is the
incontinent who have neither part nor lot in any one of them. Since we
must be right in asserting that he is least concerned with such things
who has least ability to do them, being tied down to take an interest
in the pleasure which is nearest to hand.

[14] Or, "But indeed, if there be joy in the pursuit of any noble
study or of such accomplishments as shall enable," etc.

[15] Or, "of the highest pleasures."

Euthydemus replied: Socrates, you would say, it seems to me, that a
man who is mastered by the pleasures of the body has no concern at all
with virtue.

And what is the distinction, Euthydemus (he asked), between a man
devoid of self-control and the dullest of brute beasts? A man who
foregoes all height of aim, who gives up searching for the best and
strives only to gratify his sense of pleasure,[16] is he better than
the silliest of cattle?[17] . . . But to the self-controlled alone is
it given to discover the hid treasures. These, by word and by deed,
they will pick out and make selection of them according to their
kinds, choosing deliberately the good and holding aloof from the
evil.[18] Thus (he added) it is that a man reaches the zenith, as it
were, of goodness and happiness, thus it is that he becomes most
capable of reasoning and discussion.[19] The very name discussion
({dialegesthai}) is got from people coming together and deliberating
in common by picking out and selecting things ({dialegein}) according
to their kinds.[20] A man then is bound to prepare himself as much as
possible for this business, and to pursue it beyond all else with
earnest resolution; for this is the right road to excellence, this
will make a man fittest to lead his fellows and be a master in
debate.[21]

[16] Or, "and seeks by hook and by crook to do what is pleasantest."

[17] i.e. he becomes an animal "feeding a blind life within the
brain."

[18] Or, "selecting the ore and repudiating the dross." Kuhner cf.
Plat. "Laws," v. 735 B.

[19] Or, "draws nearer to happiness and perfection, and is most
capable of truth-disclosing conversation." Cf. Plat. "Apol." 41:
"What would not a man give, O judges, to be able to examine the
leaders of the great Trojan expedition, or Odysseus, or Sisyphus,
or numberless others, men and women too! What infinite delight
would there be in conversing with them and asking them questions!"
(Jowett).

[20] For {dialegein kata gene} = {dialegesthai}, cf. Grote, "H. G."
viii. 590.

[21] Cf. Plat. "Rep." 534 D; "Phaedr." 252 E; "Crat." 390 C;
"Statesm." 286 D foll.


VI

At this point I will endeavour to explain in what way Socrates
fostered this greater "dialectic" capacity among his intimates.[1] He
held firmly to the opinion that if a man knew what each reality was,
he would be able to explain this knowledge to others; but, failing the
possession of that knowledge, it did not surprise him that men should
stumble themselves and cause others to stumble also.[2] It was for
this reason that he never ceased inquiring with those who were with
him into the true nature of things that are.[3] It would be a long
business certainly to go through in detail all the definitions at
which he arrived; I will therefore content myself with such examples
as will serve to show his method of procedure. As a first instance I
will take the question of piety. The mode of investigation may be
fairly represented as follows.

[1] Lit. "essayed to make those who were with him more potent in
dialectic."

[2] Or, "Socrates believed that any one who knew the nature of
anything would be able to let others into his secret; but, failing
that knowledge, he thought the best of men would be but blind
leaders of the blind, stumbling themselves and causing others to
stumble also."

[3] Or add, "'What is this among things? and what is its definition?'
--such was the ever-recurrent question for which he sought an
answer."

Tell me (said he), Euthydemus, what sort of thing you take piety to
be?

Something most fair and excellent, no doubt (the other answered).[4]

[4] Or, "A supreme excellence, no doubt."

Soc. And can you tell me what sort of person the pious man is?[5]

[5] Or, "can you give me a definition of the pious man?"; "tell me who
and what the pious man is."

I should say (he answered) he is a man who honours the gods.

Soc. And is it allowable to honour the gods in any mode or fashion one
likes?

Euth. No; there are laws in accordance with which one must do that.

Soc. Then he who knows these laws will know how he must honour the
gods?

I think so (he answered).

Soc. And he who knows how he must honour the gods conceives that he
ought not to do so except in the manner which accords with his
knowledge?[6] Is it not so?

[6] i.e. "his practice must square with his knowledge and be the
outward expression of his belief?"

Euth. That is so.[7]

[7] "That is so; you rightly describe his frame of mind and
persuasion."

Soc. And does any man honour the gods otherwise than he thinks he
ought?[8]

[8] "As he should and must." See K. Joel, op. cit. p. 322 foll.

I think not (he answered).

Soc. It comes to this then: he who knows what the law requires in
reference to the gods will honour the gods in the lawful way?[9]

[9] Or, "he who knows what is lawful with regard to Heaven pays honour
to Heaven lawfully."

Euth. Certainly.

Soc. But now, he who honours lawfully honours as he ought?[10]

[10] "As he should and must."

Euth. I see no alternative.

Soc. And he who honours as he ought is a pious man?

Euth. Certainly.

Soc. It would appear that he who knows what the law requires with
respect to the gods will correctly be defined as a pious man, and that
is our definition?

So it appears to me, at any rate (he replied).[11]

[11] "I accept it at any rate as mine." N.B.--in reference to this
definition of Piety, the question is never raised {poion ti esti
nomos}; nor yet {poioi tines eisin oi theoi}; but clearly there is
a growth in {ta nomima}. Cf. the conversation recorded in St. John
iv. 7 foll., and the words (verse 23) {pneuma o Theos kai tous
proskunountas auton en pneumati kai aletheia dei proskunein},
which the philosopher Socrates would perhaps readily have assented
to.

Soc. But now, with regard to human beings; is it allowable to deal
with men in any way one pleases?[12]

[12] Or, "may a man deal with his fellow-men arbitrarily according to
his fancy?" See above, II. vii. 8.

Euth. No; with regard to men also, he will be a law-observing man[13]
who knows what things are lawful as concerning men, in accordance with
which our dealings with one another must be conducted.[14]

[13] Or, "he is a man full of the law (lawful) and law-abiding who
knows," etc.

[14] Reading {kath' a dei pros allelous khresthai}, subaud.
{allelois}, or if vulg. {kath' a dei pos allelois khresthai},
translate "must be specifically conducted."

Soc. Then those who deal with one another in this way, deal with each
other as they ought?[15]

[15] "As they should and must."

Obviously (he answered).

Soc. And they who deal with one another as they ought, deal well and
nobly--is it not so?

Certainly (he answered).

Soc. And they who deal well and nobly by mankind are well-doers in
respect of human affairs?

That would seem to follow (he replied).

Soc. I presume that those who obey the laws do what is just and right?

Without a doubt, (he answered).

Soc. And by things right and just you know what sort of things are
meant?

What the laws ordain (he answered).

Soc. It would seem to follow that they who do what the laws ordain
both do what is right and just and what they ought?[16]

[16] "What they should and must."

Euth. I see no alternative.

Soc. But then, he who does what is just and right is upright and
just?[17]

[17] This proposition, as Kuhner argues (ad loc.), is important as
being the middle term of the double syllogism (A and B)--

A. Those who do what the law demands concerning men do what is
just and right.

Those who do what is just and right are righteous and just.

Ergo--Those who do what the law demands concerning men are
righteous and just.

B. Those who know what is just and right ought (and are bound,
cf. above, III. ix. 4) to do also what is just and right.

Those who do what is just and right are righteous and just.

Ergo--Righteous and Just ({dikaioi}) may be defined as "Those
who know what the law demands (aliter things right and just)
concerning men."

I should say so myself (he answered).

Soc. And should you say that any one obeys the laws without knowing
what the laws ordain?

I should not (he answered).

Soc. And do you suppose that any one who knows what things he ought to
do supposes that he ought not to do them?[18]

[18] Or, "and no one who knows what he must and should do imagines
that he must and should not do it?"

No, I suppose not (he answered).

Soc. And do you know of anybody doing other than what he feels bound
to do?[19]

[19] Or, "and nobody that you know of does the contrary of what he
thinks he should do?"

No, I do not (he answered).

Soc. It would seem that he who knows what things are lawful[20] as
concerning men does the things that are just and right?

[20] Or, "of lawful obligation."

Without a doubt (he answered).

Soc. But then, he who does what is just and right is upright and
just?[21]

[21] N.B.--In reference to this definition of justice, see K. Joel,
op. cit. p. 323 foll., "Das ist eine Karrikatur des Sokratischen
Dialogs."

Who else, if not? (he replied).

Soc. It would seem, then, we shall have got to a right definition if
we name as just and upright those who know the things which are
lawful as concerning men?

That is my opinion (he answered).

Soc. And what shall we say that wisdom is? Tell me, does it seem to
you that the wise are wise in what they know,[22] or are there any who
are wise in what they know not?

[22] Or, "in that of which they have the knowledge ({episteme})."

Euth. Clearly they are wise in what they know;[23] for how could a man
have wisdom in that which he does not know?

[23] Or, "their wisdom is confined to that of which they have the
{episteme}. How could a man be wise in what he lacks the knowledge
of?"

Soc. In fact, then, the wise are wise in knowledge?

Euth. Why, in what else should a man be wise save only in knowledge?

Soc. And is wisdom anything else than that by which a man is wise,
think you?

Euth. No; that, and that only, I think.

Soc. It would seem to follow that knowledge and wisdom are the same?

Euth. So it appears to me.

Soc. May I ask, does it seem to you possible for a man to know all the
things that are?

Euth. No, indeed! not the hundredth part of them, I should say.

Soc. Then it would seem that it is impossible for a man to be all-
wise?

Quite impossible (he answered).

Soc. It would seem the wisdom of each is limited to his knowledge;
each is wise only in what he knows?


 


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