[526e]
whether the greater and more advanced part of it
tends to facilitate the apprehension of the idea of good.1 That tendency, we affirm, is to be found in all studies that force the
soul to turn its vision round to the region where dwells the most blessed part
of reality,2 which it is
imperative that it should behold.” “You are
right,” he said. “Then if it compels the soul to contemplate
essence, it is suitable; if genesis,3 it is
not.” “So we affirm.4”
1 Because it develops the power of abstract thought. Not because numbers are deduced from the idea of good. Cf. on 525, p. 162, note b.
2 Cf. 518 C. Once more we should remember that for the practical and educational application of Plato's main thought this and all similar expressions are rhetorical surplusage or “unction,” which should not be pressed, nor used e.g. to identify the idea of good with god. Cf. Introd. p. xxv.
3 Or “becoming.” Cf. 485 B, 525 B.
4 γε δή is frequent in confirming answers. Cf. 557 B, 517 C, Symp. 172 C, 173 E, Gorg. 449 B, etc.
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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