[294a]
for I was just going to ask whether you accepted all I have said, or were displeased with anything. But now it is clear that we shall have to discuss the question of the propriety of government without laws.Younger Socrates
Of course we shall.Stranger
In a sense, however, it is clear that law-making belongs to the science of kingship; but the best thing is not that the laws be in power, but that the man who is wise and of kingly nature be ruler. Do you see why?Younger Socrates
Why is it?Stranger
Because law could never, by determining exactly what is noblest [294b] and must just for one and all, enjoin upon them that which is best; for the differences of men and of actions and the fact that nothing, I may say, in human life is ever at rest, forbid any science whatsoever to promulgate any simple rule for everything and for all time. We agree to that, I suppose?Younger Socrates
Yes, of course.Stranger
But we see that law aims at pretty nearly this very thing, like a stubborn and ignorant man [294c] who allows no one to do anything contrary to his command, or even to ask a question, not even if something new occurs to some one, which is better than the rule he has himself ordained.Younger Socrates
True; the law treats each and all of us exactly as you describe.Stranger
So that which is persistently simple is inapplicable to things which are never simple?Younger Socrates
I suppose so.Stranger
Why in the world, then, is it necessary to make laws, since law is not the most perfect right? [294d] We must ask the reason for this.Younger Socrates
Yes, of course.Stranger
Well, there are here at Athens, as in other cities, classes for practice in athletics to prepare for contests in running or the like, are there not?Younger Socrates
Yes, a great many of them.Stranger
Now let us recall to mind the orders given by the professional trainers when they are in charge of such classes.Younger Socrates
What do you mean?Stranger
They think they cannot go into details in individual cases and order what is best for each personÕs physique; [294e] they think they must employ a rougher method and give a general rule which will be good for the physique of the majority.Younger Socrates
Good.Stranger
And therefore they nowadays assign equal exercise to whole classes; they make them begin at the same time and stop at the same time, whether they run or wrestle or practise any other kind of bodily exercise.Younger Socrates
That is true.Stranger
And so we must believe that the law-maker who is to watch over the herds and maintain justice and the obligation of contracts,
Of course we shall.Stranger
In a sense, however, it is clear that law-making belongs to the science of kingship; but the best thing is not that the laws be in power, but that the man who is wise and of kingly nature be ruler. Do you see why?Younger Socrates
Why is it?Stranger
Because law could never, by determining exactly what is noblest [294b] and must just for one and all, enjoin upon them that which is best; for the differences of men and of actions and the fact that nothing, I may say, in human life is ever at rest, forbid any science whatsoever to promulgate any simple rule for everything and for all time. We agree to that, I suppose?Younger Socrates
Yes, of course.Stranger
But we see that law aims at pretty nearly this very thing, like a stubborn and ignorant man [294c] who allows no one to do anything contrary to his command, or even to ask a question, not even if something new occurs to some one, which is better than the rule he has himself ordained.Younger Socrates
True; the law treats each and all of us exactly as you describe.Stranger
So that which is persistently simple is inapplicable to things which are never simple?Younger Socrates
I suppose so.Stranger
Why in the world, then, is it necessary to make laws, since law is not the most perfect right? [294d] We must ask the reason for this.Younger Socrates
Yes, of course.Stranger
Well, there are here at Athens, as in other cities, classes for practice in athletics to prepare for contests in running or the like, are there not?Younger Socrates
Yes, a great many of them.Stranger
Now let us recall to mind the orders given by the professional trainers when they are in charge of such classes.Younger Socrates
What do you mean?Stranger
They think they cannot go into details in individual cases and order what is best for each personÕs physique; [294e] they think they must employ a rougher method and give a general rule which will be good for the physique of the majority.Younger Socrates
Good.Stranger
And therefore they nowadays assign equal exercise to whole classes; they make them begin at the same time and stop at the same time, whether they run or wrestle or practise any other kind of bodily exercise.Younger Socrates
That is true.Stranger
And so we must believe that the law-maker who is to watch over the herds and maintain justice and the obligation of contracts,
