Kitap 1
641
Ath. Well, what great gain should we say would accrue to the State from the right control of one single child or even of one band of children? To the question thus put to us we should reply that the State would benefit but little from one; if, however, you are putting a general question as to what solid advantage the State gains from the education of the educated, then it is quite simple to reply that well-educated men will prove good men, and being good they will conquer their foes in battle, besides acting nobly in other ways. Thus, while education brings also victory, victory sometimes brings lack of education for men have often grown more insolent because of victory in war, and through their insolence they have become filled with countless other vices; and whereas education has never yet proved to be Cadmeian,i.e. involving more loss than gain—a proverbial expression, possibly derived from the fate of the Sparti (sprung from the dragon’s teeth sown by Cadmus, founder of Thebes) who slew one another: cp. Pyrrhic victory. the victories which men win in war often have been, and will be, Cadmeian.
641
Clin. You are implying, my friend, as it seems to us, that the convivial gathering, when rightly conducted, is an important element in education.
641
Ath. Assuredly.
641
Clin. Could you then show us, in the next place, how this statement is true?
641
Ath. The truth of my statement, which is disputed by many, it is for God to assert; but I am quite ready to give, if required, my own opinion, now that we have, in fact, embarked on a discussion of laws and constitutions.
641
Clin. Well, it is precisely your opinion about the questions now in dispute that we are trying to learn.
