[67a]
Protarchus
Yes, that is what you said.Socrates
And next it was most sufficiently proved that each of these two was insufficient.Protarchus
Very true.Socrates
In this argument, then, both mind and pleasure were set aside; neither of them is the absolute good, since they are devoid of self-sufficiency, adequacy, and perfection?Protarchus
Quite right.Socrates
And on the appearance of a third competitor, better than either of these, mind is now found to be ten thousand times more akin than pleasure to the victor.Protarchus
Certainly.Socrates
Then, according to the judgement which has now been given by our discussion, the power of pleasure would be fifth.Protarchus
So it seems. [67b] Socrates
But not first, even if all the cattle and horses and other beasts in the world, in their pursuit of enjoyment, so assert. Trusting in them, as augurs trust in birds, the many judge that pleasures are the greatest blessings in life, and they imagine that the lusts of beasts are better witnesses than are the aspirations and thoughts inspired by the philosophic muse.Protarchus
Socrates, we all now declare that what you have said is perfectly true.Socrates
Then you will let me go?Protarchus
There is still a little left, Socrates. I am sure you will not give up before we do, and I will remind you of what remains.
Yes, that is what you said.Socrates
And next it was most sufficiently proved that each of these two was insufficient.Protarchus
Very true.Socrates
In this argument, then, both mind and pleasure were set aside; neither of them is the absolute good, since they are devoid of self-sufficiency, adequacy, and perfection?Protarchus
Quite right.Socrates
And on the appearance of a third competitor, better than either of these, mind is now found to be ten thousand times more akin than pleasure to the victor.Protarchus
Certainly.Socrates
Then, according to the judgement which has now been given by our discussion, the power of pleasure would be fifth.Protarchus
So it seems. [67b] Socrates
But not first, even if all the cattle and horses and other beasts in the world, in their pursuit of enjoyment, so assert. Trusting in them, as augurs trust in birds, the many judge that pleasures are the greatest blessings in life, and they imagine that the lusts of beasts are better witnesses than are the aspirations and thoughts inspired by the philosophic muse.Protarchus
Socrates, we all now declare that what you have said is perfectly true.Socrates
Then you will let me go?Protarchus
There is still a little left, Socrates. I am sure you will not give up before we do, and I will remind you of what remains.
