Book 4
2.34
Happiness seems to be unquestionably a good, Socrates.It would be so, Euthydemus, were it not made up of goods that are questionable.But what element in happiness can be called in question?None, provided we don’t include in it beauty or strength or wealth or glory or anything of the sort.But of course we shall do that. For how can anyone be happy without them?
2.35
Then of course we shall include the sources of much trouble to mankind. For many are ruined by admirers whose heads are turned at the sight of a pretty face; many are led by their strength to attempt tasks too heavy for them, and meet with serious evils: many by their wealth are corrupted, and fall victims to conspiracies; many through glory and political power have suffered great evils.
2.36
Well now, if I am at fault in praising even happiness, I confess I know not what one should ask for in one’s prayers.But perhaps you never even thought about these things, because you felt so confident that you knew them. However, as the state you are preparing yourself to direct is governed by the people, no doubt you know what popular government is?I think so, certainly.
2.37
Then do you suppose it possible to know popular government without knowing the people?Indeed I don’t.And do you know, then, what the people consists of?I think so.Of what do you suppose it to consist?The poorer classes, I presume.You know the poor, then?Of course I do.And you know the rich too?Yes, just as well as the poor.What kind of men do you call poor and rich respectively?The poor, I imagine, are those who have not enough to pay for what they want; the rich those who have more than enough.
2.38
Have you observed, then, that some who have very little not only find it enough, but even manage to save out of it, whereas others cannot live within their means, however large?Yes, certainly — thanks for reminding me — I know, in fact, of some despots even who are driven to crime by poverty, just like paupers.
