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[206b] the ability to follow each note and tell which string produced it; and everyone would agree that the notes are the elements of music?

Theaetetus
Yes, that is all true.

Socrates
Then if we are to argue from the elements and combinations in which we ourselves have experience to other things in general, we shall say that the elements as a class admit of a much clearer knowledge than the compounds and of a knowledge that is much more important for the complete attainment of each branch of learning, and if anyone says that the compound is by its nature knowable and the element unknowable, we shall consider that he is, intentionally or unintentionally, joking.

Theaetetus
Certainly.


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