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Section 133

SOCRATES. This second man had spent his time focusing on intellectual pursuits, rather than physical training. So I decided it was best to leave the one who had spoken ill of philosophy alone, since he did not even claim to be knowledgeable in words, but only in physical deeds, and instead to question the one who claimed to be wiser, to see if I could learn anything from him. "The question I asked," I said, "was addressed in common. But since you seem to pride yourself on giving a better answer, I ask you the same question: do you consider philosophy to be a noble and honorable pursuit?" At this point, the two youths overheard our conversation, stopped their dispute, and turned to listen to us. What their lovers felt, I do not know, but I was quite struck with awe—as I always am when confronted with the young and beautiful. The intellectual lover seemed to share my feelings, but answered proudly. "Socrates," he said, "if I ever consider philosophy to be a bad thing, I would no longer consider myself a human being, nor would I consider anyone else who felt that way to be one"—pointing at his rival. "So philosophy seems to you to be a beautiful thing?" I asked. "Indeed," he replied. "Well," said I, "is it possible to know whether a thing is beautiful or ugly if one does not even know what the thing itself is?" "No," he said. "Then do you know what philosophy is?" I asked. "Certainly I do," he said. "What is it, then?" "Exactly what Solon said it was. Solon said: 'As I grow old, I constantly learn many things.' And I believe a man who intends to philosophize should always be learning something, whether he is young or old, so that he may learn as many things as possible in his life." At first I thought he had spoken well, but after considering it, I asked him: "Do you believe that philosophy is simply a matter of learning a great deal?" "Yes, absolutely," he said. "And do you believe philosophy is merely an honorable thing, or is it also a good thing?" "A very good thing indeed," he replied. "Is this characteristic unique to philosophy, or do you find it in other pursuits as well? For example, do you consider the love of gymnastics to be a good thing, as well as an honorable one?"