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Section 122

DEMODOCUS. I imagine that certain of his peers and fellow townsmen have been telling him about some conversations they heard in the city, which have disturbed his mind. He has been bothering me constantly, begging me to spend money to associate him with one of these sophists who profess to make men wise. Now, the money itself is the least of my concerns, but I believe he is steering towards great danger. Up until now, I have managed to hold him off by using comforting words. But since I can no longer dissuade him, I think my best course is to humor him, so that he does not associate with someone secretly and get corrupted without my knowledge. That is why I have come here today: I intend to find one of these people who are reputed to be sophists and place my son in his care. Therefore, Socrates, since you happen to be here, I consider it a great stroke of luck, because you are precisely the man I most wanted to consult on this matter.

SOCRATES. Indeed, Demodocus, advice is said to be a sacred thing. And if there is any advice that is sacred, it is surely advice concerning the matter you are now considering. For a man can deliberate about nothing more divine than the education of himself and his own children. First, let us agree on what exactly we are talking about. You say he desires to become "wise," and you seek to find someone who professes to make men "wise."

DEMODOCUS. I do.

SOCRATES. By "wise," do we mean those who know something, or those who do not?

DEMODOCUS. Surely those who know something.

SOCRATES. Then tell me, Theages—is it true what your father says, that you desire to become wise, and you are asking him to find a man who can make you wise?

THEAGES. Yes.

SOCRATES. And you consider wise men to be those who possess knowledge concerning the subject they are wise in?

THEAGES. I do.

SOCRATES. Did your father not have you taught and educated in all the subjects the sons of other honorable citizens are taught, such as letters, playing the lyre, and wrestling?

THEAGES. He did.

SOCRATES. And do you think there is still some knowledge lacking, for which your father must now find a teacher for you?

THEAGES. Yes, I do.

SOCRATES. What is this knowledge? Tell us, so we may oblige you.