47
That seems to follow. But we must watch lest we meet this stumbling-block in what you said a little before. When we have once committed ourselves and spread the sail, it is not easy to return. How can we travel all the paths, if we are to be held fast in the first, as you say?
47
I will tell you. We will copy that stratagem of Theseus and take a thread from Ariadne in the play, and then enter every labyrinth. So, by winding it up we shall have no difficulty in getting out.
47
Then who will be our Ariadne? And where shall we get our thread?
47
Never fear, my friend. I think I have discovered what to hold on to, if we are to get out.
47
Well, what?
47
I will tell you—it is not mine, it comes from one of the sages: “Keep sober, and remember to disbelieve.” Epicharmus, frag. 250 Kaibel. For, if we are not prepared to believe everything we hear, but rather to act like judges and let the next man have his say, perhaps we may escape the labyrinths with ease.
47
Good, let us do this.
48
Well then, which path should we travel first? Or will this make no difference? Let us begin anywhere—with Pythagoras, for instance. If we do this, how long do we suppose we shall spend in learning all the doctrines of Pythagoras? Please do not leave out those five years of silence. Including the five years I suppose thirty years will be enough, or certainly a minimum of twenty.
48
Let us assume so.
48
Following that, we must obviously give the same number to Plato, and not less to Aristotle.
48
No, not less.
48
For Chrysippus, I shall not ask you how many. I know from what I have heard you say that forty will hardly suffice.
48
Just so.
