117
Soc. And so that kind of ignorant person makes no mistakes in life, because they entrust such matters to others?
117
Alc. Yes.
117
Soc. Who then are those who make mistakes? For, I take it, they cannot be those who know.
117
Alc. No, indeed.
118
Soc. But since it is neither those who know, nor those of the ignorant who know that they do not know, the only people left, I think, are those who do not know, but think that they do?
118
Alc. Yes, only those.
118
Soc. Then this ignorance is a cause of evils, and is the discreditable sort of stupidity?
118
Alc. Yes.
118
Soc. And when it is about the greatest matters, it is most injurious and base?
118
Alc. By far.
118
Soc. Well then, can you mention any greater things than the just, the noble, the good, and the expedient?
118
Alc. No, indeed.
118
Soc. And it is about these, you say, that you are bewildered?
118
Alc. Yes.
118
Soc. But if you are bewildered, is it not clear from what has gone before that you are not only ignorant of the greatest things, but while not knowing them you think that you do?
118
Alc. I am afraid so.
118
Soc. Alack then, Alcibiades, for the plight you are in! I shrink indeed from giving it a name, but still, as we are alone, let me speak out. You are wedded to stupidity, my fine friend, of the vilest kind; you are impeached of this by your own words, out of your own mouth; and this, it seems, is why you dash into politics before you have been educated. And you are not alone in this plight, but you share it with most of those who manage our city’s affairs, except just a few, and perhaps your guardian, Pericles.
118
Alc. Yes, you know, Socrates, they say he did not get his wisdom independently, but consorted with many wise men, such as Pythocleides A musician of Ceos (who was perhaps also a Pythagorean philosopher) who taught in Athens. and Anaxagoras An Ionian philosopher who lived in Athens c. 480-430 B.C.; and now, old as he is, he still confers with Damon An Athenian musician and sophist. for that very purpose.
