230
Soc. Then are we to take the same view of gain also, that both the wicked and the virtuous sort are similarly gain?
230
Fr. Necessarily.
230
Soc. So he who has virtuous gain is no whit the more a gainer than he who has wicked gain: neither sort is found to be more gain, as we agree.
230
Fr. Yes.
230
Soc. For neither of them has addition of either more or less.
230
Fr. No, indeed.
230
Soc. And how could one do or suffer anything more or less with a thing of this sort, that had neither of these additions?
230
Fr. Impossible.
230
Soc. Since, therefore, both of these are gains and gain-making affairs, we must now consider what it can be that leads you to call both of them gain: what is it that you see to be the same in both? Suppose you were to ask me, in those instances that I gave just now, what it is that leads me to call both good food and evil food alike food, I should tell you— for this reason, because both are a dry sustenance of the body. For that, I am sure you would agree, is what food is, would you not?
230
Fr. I would.
231
Soc. And so too about drink the answer would be on the same lines, that the wet sustenance of the body, whether it be wholesome or pernicious, has this name of drink; and likewise with the rest. Try therefore on your part to imitate my method of answering. When you say that virtuous gain and wicked gain are both gain, what is it that you see to be the same in them, judging it to be the actual element of gain? And if again you are yourself unable to answer, just let me put it for your consideration, whether you describe as gain every acquisition that one has acquired either with no expense, or as a profit over and above one’s expense.
231
Fr. I believe that is what I call gain.
231
Soc. Do you include a case where, after enjoying a banquet at which one has had much good cheer without any expense, one acquires an illness?
231
Fr. Upon my word, not I.
231
Soc. And if one acquired health from attending a banquet, would one acquire gain or loss?
231
Fr. Gain.
231
Soc. Hence gain is not just acquiring any acquisition.
