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[689d] of soul, while those whose mental condition is the reverse of this shall be entitled “wise,” even if—as the saying goes—“they spell not neither do they swim”1; and to these latter, as to men of sense, the government shall be entrusted. For without harmony,2 my friends, how could even the smallest fraction of wisdom exist? It is impossible. But the greatest and best of harmonies would most properly be accounted the greatest wisdom; and therein he who lives rationally has a share, whereas he who is devoid thereof

1 i.e., are ignorant of even the most ordinary accomplishments.

2 Cp. Plat. Rep. 430e; 591d.

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    • Plato, Republic, 430e
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