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Section 130

SOCRATES. Then Aristides said, "But my own condition is absurd too, Socrates." "What do you mean?" I asked. "Because, before I sailed away, I was able to discuss matters with anyone and hold my own in an argument. I felt I was no worse than my peers. But now, I am completely useless. Even the most ordinary people defeat me in arguments. And it is entirely because I have lost the ability I gained from being with you." "How did this ability leave you?" I asked. "Gradually, or all at once?" "I will tell you the truth, Socrates," he said. "By the gods, I never learned anything from you, as you well know. But I always made progress whenever I was simply in the same house as you, even if not in the same room. I made even more progress when I was in the same room. I progressed still more when I looked at you while you were speaking, rather than looking elsewhere. But my greatest and most significant improvement happened when I sat right beside you and touched you. Now," he concluded, "that disposition has completely vanished." Such is the nature of associating with me, Theages. If it pleases the god, you will make very great and rapid progress; but if not, you will not. Consider, then, whether it would not be safer for you to go to one of those sophists who control their own teaching, rather than risking association with me, where the outcome is entirely dependent on this divine sign.