29
Socrates
Soc. Do you, then, think we should assent to this and agree in the doctrine of our predecessors, not merely intending to repeat the words of others, with no risk to ourselves, but ready to share with them in the risk and the blame, if any clever man declares that this world is not thus ordered, but is without order?
Protarchus
Pro. Yes, of course I do.
Socrates
Soc. Then observe the argument that now comes against us.
Socrates
Soc. We see the elements which belong to the natures of all living beings, fire, water, air, and earth—or, as the storm-tossed mariners say, land in sight— in the constitution of the universe.
5
Protarchus
Pro. Certainly and we are truly storm-tossed in the puzzling cross-currents of this discussion.
Socrates
Soc. Well, here is a point for you to consider in relation to each of these elements as it exists in us.
Protarchus
Pro. What is the point?
Socrates
Soc. Each element in us is small and poor and in no way pure at all or endowed with the power which is worthy of its nature. Take one example and apply it to all. Fire, for instance, exists in us and also in the universe.
Protarchus
Pro. Of course.
10
Socrates
Soc. And that which is in us is small, weak, and poor, but that which is in the universe is marvellous in quantity, beauty, and every power which belongs to fire.
Protarchus
Pro. What you say is very true.
Socrates
Soc. Well, is the fire of the universe nourished, originated, and ruled by the fire within us, or, on the contrary, does my fire, and yours, and that of all living beings derive nourishment and all that from the universal fire?
