[523a]
that it is one of those studies which we are seeking that
naturally conduce to the awakening of thought, but that no one makes the right
use1 of it, though it really does tend to
draw the mind to essence and reality.” “What do you
mean?” he said. “I will try,” I said,
“to show you at least my opinion. Do you keep watch and observe the
things I distinguish in my mind as being or not being conducive to our purpose,
and either concur or dissent, in order that here too we may see more
clearly2 whether my surmise is right.” “Point them
out,” he said. “I do point them out,” I said,
“if you can discern that some reports of our perceptions
1 Plato's point of view here, as he will explain, is precisely the opposite of that of modern educators who would teach mathematics concretely and not puzzle the children with abstract logic. But in the Laws where he is speaking of primary and secondary education for the entire population he anticipates the modern kindergarten ideas (819 B-C).
2 For σαφέστερον cf. 523 C. Cf. Vol. I. p. 47, note f, on 338 D, and What Plato Said, p. 503, on Gorg. 463 D.
Plato. Plato in Twelve Volumes, Vols. 5 & 6 translated by Paul Shorey. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1969.
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