Book 10
902
Ath. Shall we then assume, my worthy and excellent sir, that you assert that the gods are ignorant, and that it is through ignorance that they are neglectful when they ought to be showing care,—or that they know indeed what is needful, yet act as the worst of men are said to do, who, though they know that other things are better to do than what they are doing, yet do them not, owing to their being somehow defeated by pleasures or pains?
902
Clin. Impossible.
902
Ath. Do not human affairs share in animate nature, and is not man himself, too, the most god-fearing of all living creatures?
902
Clin. That is certainly probable.
902
Ath. We affirm that all mortal creatures are possessions of the gods, to whom belongs also the whole heaven.
902
Clin. Of course.
902
Ath. That being so, it matters not whether a man says that these things are small or great in the eyes of the gods; for in neither case would it behove those who are our owners to be neglectful, seeing that they are most careful and most good. For let us notice this further fact—
902
Clin. What is it?
902
Ath. In regard to perception and power,—are not these two naturally opposed in respect of ease and difficulty?
902
Clin. How do you mean?
902
Ath. It is more difficult to see and hear small things than great; but everyone finds it more easy to move, control and care for things small and few than their opposites.
902
Clin. Much more.
902
Ath. When a physician is charged with the curing of a whole body, if, while he is willing and able to care for the large parts, he neglects the small parts and members, will he ever find the whole in good condition?
902
Clin. Certainly not.
902
Ath. No more will pilots or generals or house-managers, nor yet statesmen or any other such persons, find that the many and great thrive apart from the few and small; for even masons say that big stones are not well laid without little stones.
902
Clin. They cannot be.
