23
By all means. The sage is the only man fit to lend money; for since ratiocination is his peculiar function, and calculating ratios and per cents. seems to be the next thing to ratiocinating, it follows from these premises that the special business of the good man alone is to get not only simple interest like other people, but compound. For you know there are two sorts of interest, one sort coming first, and the other second, as it were the offspring of the first, and of course you see what the syllogism has to say about it if he gets the simple interest, he will also get the compound, but he does get the simple interest, therefore he will also get the compound.
24
And must we say the same of the fees you take for imparting your wisdom to young men? Is it clear that the good man alone will make money out of his virtue?
24
You grasp the idea. It is not on my own account that I take fees, but for the good of the giver himself. For since one party in a transaction must give and the other receive, I train myself to receive and my pupil to give.
24
It ought to be the other way about. The young man ought to receive, and you, who alone are rich, to give out.
24
You are chaffing, fellow; but be careful lest I let fly at you with the apodeiktic syllogism.
24
What are the frightful effects of the weapon?
24
Embarrassment, silence, confusion of mind.
25
If you like, I will give you an extreme example, and prove in a twinkling that you are a stone.
25
How a stone? You do not look to me like Perseus with the Gorgon's head, my friend.
25
This is the way. Is the stone a body?
25
Yes.
25
Well, is not a living creature a body?
25
Yes.
25
But you are a living creature?
25
Certainly, I have that appearance.
25
Then you are a stone, for you are a body.
25
Heaven forbid! In Zeus' name, release me and make me a man again!
25
That is easy; be a man once more. For, tell me, is every body a living creature?
25
No.
25
Well, is a stone a living creature?
25
No.
25
But you are a body?
25
Yes.
25
And being a body you are a living creature?
25
Yes.
