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Section 119

Socrates. But tell me of any other Athenian or foreigner, slave or free, who has the reputation of having become wiser through association with Pericles, just as I can tell you that through association with Zeno, Pythodorus the son of Isolochus and Callias the son of Calliades each paid Zeno a hundred minas and became wise and eminent.

Alcibiades. But by Zeus, I cannot.

Socrates. Very well; what then do you intend concerning yourself? Whether to remain as you are now, or to take some care of yourself?

Alcibiades. It is a matter for common deliberation, Socrates. And yet I understand what you say and I agree; for it seems to me that those who manage the affairs of the city, with a few exceptions, are uneducated.

Socrates. What then follows from this?

Alcibiades. If they happened to be educated, one who attempted to contend with them would have to go having learned and practiced, as against athletes; but now, since these men have come to the affairs of the city being in an amateurish state, why is it necessary to practice and take the trouble to learn? For I know well that I shall surpass them very much by nature alone.

Socrates. Alas, my excellent friend, what a thing you have said! How unworthy of your appearance and of the other things that belong to you.

Alcibiades. Why especially, and to what end do you say this, Socrates?

Socrates. I am indignant both on your behalf and on behalf of my own love.

Alcibiades. Why is that?

Socrates. If you have deemed your contest to be against the men here.

Alcibiades. But against whom else should it be?

Socrates. Is this a worthy thing even to ask for a man who considers himself to be high-minded?

Alcibiades. How do you mean? Is my contest not against these men?

Socrates. But even if you intended to steer a trireme that was about to fight a naval battle, would it be enough for you to be the best at steering among your fellow sailors, or would you think that these things must be presupposed, and you would look to your true opponents, rather than as you do now to your fellow combatants? For surely you must surpass them by so much that they do not deem it fit to contend against you, but having been despised by you they fight alongside you against the enemy, if indeed you intend in truth to show forth some noble deed worthy both of yourself and of the city.

Alcibiades. But I do indeed intend to.

Socrates. Then it is altogether worthy for you to be content if you are better than the soldiers, and not to look toward the commanders of the adversaries to see if you have ever become better than them, examining and practicing against them.