417
Socrates
Socrates. I do not think, Hermogenes, the name-giver gives the meaning to λυσιτελοῦν which it has in the language of tradesfolk, when profit sets free (ἀπολύει) the sum invested, but he means that because it is the swiftest thing in the world it does not allow things to remain at rest and does not allow the motion to come to any end (τέλος) of movement or to stop or pause, but always, if any end of the motion is attempted, it sets it free, making it unceasing and immortal. It is in this sense, I think, that the good is dubbed λυσιτελοῦν, for it frees (λύει) the end (τέλος) of the motion. But the word ὠφέλιμον is a foreign one, which Homer often uses in the verbal form ὀφέλλειν. This is a synonym of increase and create.
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. What shall be our explanations of the opposites of these?
5
Socrates
Socrates. Those of them that are mere negatives, need, I think, no discussion.
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Which are those?
Socrates
Socrates. Disadvantageous, useless, unprofitable, and ungainful.
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. True.
Socrates
Socrates. But βλαβερόν (harmful) and ζημιῶδες (hurtful) do need it.
10
Hermogenes
Hermogenes. Yes.
Socrates
Socrates. And βλαβερόν means that which harms (βλάπτον) the flow (ῥοῦν); but βλάπτον means wishing to fasten (ἅπτειν), and ἅπτειν is the same thing as δεῖν (bind), which the name-giver constantly finds fault with. Now τὸ βουλόμενον ἅπτειν ῥοῦν (that which wishes to fasten the flow) would most correctly be called βουλαπτεροῦν, but is called βλαβερόν merely, as I think, to make it prettier.
