Plato, Republic

[494a] is impossible for the multitude.¹” “Impossible.” “It is inevitable,² then, that those who philosophize should be censured by them.” “Inevitable.” “And so likewise by those laymen who, associating with the mob, desire to curry favor³ with it.” “Obviously.” “From this point of view do you see any salvation that will suffer the born philosopher to abide in the pursuit and persevere to the end? Consider it in the light of what we said before. [494b] We agreed⁴ that quickness in learning, memory, courage and magnificence were the traits of this nature.” “Yes.” “Then even as a boy⁵ among boys such a one will take the lead in all things, especially if the nature of his body matches the soul.” “How could he fail to do so?” he said. “His kinsmen and fellow-citizens, then, will desire, I presume, to make use of him when he is older for their own affairs.” “Of course.” [494c] “Then they will fawn⁶ upon him with petitions and honors, anticipating⁷ and flattering the power that will be his.” “That certainly is the usual way.” “How, then, do you think such a youth will behave in such conditions, especially if it happen that he belongs to a great city and is rich and well-born therein, and thereto handsome and tall? Will his soul not be filled with unbounded ambitious hopes,⁸ and will he not think himself capable of managing the affairs of both Greeks and barbarians,⁹ [494d] and thereupon exalt himself, haughty of mien and stuffed with empty pride and void of sense¹⁰ “He surely will,” he said. “And if to a man in this state of mind¹¹ someone gently¹² comes and tells him what is the truth, that he has no sense and sorely needs it, and that the only way to get it is to work like a slave¹³ to win it, do you think it will be easy for him to lend an ear¹⁴ to the quiet voice in the midst of and in spite of these evil surroundings¹⁵ “Far from it,” said he. “And even supposing,” said I, “that owing to a fortunate disposition and his affinity for the words of admonition [494e] one such youth apprehends something and is moved and drawn towards philosophy, what do we suppose will be the conduct of those who think that they are losing his service and fellowship? Is there any word or deed that they will stick at¹⁶ to keep him from being persuaded and to incapacitate anyone who attempts it,¹⁷ both by private intrigue and public prosecution in the court?”