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Section 125

THEAGES. My father could answer that perfectly well himself, Socrates, if he wanted to. For he associates with the very men who know these things, the politicians.

DEMODOCUS. He speaks truly, Socrates. And what he says is correct.

SOCRATES. Then why, Demodocus, do you hesitate? Why not send him to one of our statesmen, since they are the ones who possess the knowledge he seeks? They could teach him for free, and he would acquire the highest reputation in the city.

DEMODOCUS. Socrates, I have often considered doing just that. But I also observe that many sons of those great statesmen turn out to be no better than the sons of cobblers. The statesmen cannot even teach their own children their art. So how can I expect them to teach my son?

SOCRATES. That is a fair point, Demodocus. But then, to whom should we send him? Theages, what do you think? Who professes to teach this art?

THEAGES. You know very well, Socrates. I hear that there are men called sophists who profess to teach exactly this.

SOCRATES. You mean Prodicus, Gorgias, and Polus?

THEAGES. Yes, those are the ones.

SOCRATES. Do you know, my fine friend, what sort of men these sophists actually are?

THEAGES. I know that they claim to make men capable of speaking and acting in political affairs.

SOCRATES. You know, Demodocus, we should not laugh at his ambition. He desires something great. But tell me, Theages, do you really believe that if a man spends his money on these sophists, he will become wise in the art of the statesman?

THEAGES. Yes, Socrates, I do.

SOCRATES. If you truly believe that, why not beg your father to send you to them, instead of complaining to him?

THEAGES. I have begged him, Socrates. But he just laughs and tells me I should ask you.