Kitap 10
888
Clin. Our statement thus far, Stranger, is most excellent.
888
Ath. Very true, O Megillus and Clinias; but we have plunged unawares into a wondrous argument.
888
Clin. What is it you mean?
888
Ath. That which most people account to be the most scientific of all arguments.
888
Clin. Explain more clearly.
888
Ath. It is stated by some that all things which are coming into existence, or have or will come into existence, do so partly by nature, partly by art, and partly owing to chance.
888
Clin. Is it not a right statement?
889
Ath. It is likely, to be sure, that what men of science say is true. Anyhow, let us follow them up, and consider what it is that the people in their camp really intend.
889
Clin. By all means let us do so.
889
Ath. It is evident, they assert, that the greatest and most beautiful things are the work of nature and of chance, and the lesser things that of art,—for art receives from nature the great and primary products as existing, and itself molds and shapes all the smaller ones, which we commonly call artificial.
889
Clin. How do you mean?
