117
Socrates
Soc. And you say you are bewildered in answering about just and unjust, noble and base, evil and good, expedient and inexpedient? Now, is it not obvious that your bewilderment is caused by your ignorance of these things?
Socrates
Soc. Then is it the case that when a man does not know a thing he must needs be bewildered in spirit regarding that thing?
Alcibiades
Alc. Yes, of course.
Socrates
Soc. Well now, do you know in what way you can ascend to heaven?
10
Alcibiades
Alc. On my word, not I.
Socrates
Soc. Is that too a kind of question about which your judgement is bewildered?
Alcibiades
Alc. No, indeed.
Socrates
Soc. Do you know the reason, or shall I state it?
Alcibiades
Alc. State it.
15
Socrates
Soc. It is, my friend, that while not knowing the matter you do not suppose that you know it.
Alcibiades
Alc. Here again, how do you mean?
Socrates
Soc. Do your share, in seeing for yourself. Are you bewildered about the kind of thing that you do not know and are aware of not knowing? For instance, you know, I suppose, that you do not know about the preparation of a tasty dish?
Alcibiades
Alc. Quite so.
Socrates
Soc. Then do you think for yourself how you are to prepare it, and get bewildered, or do you entrust it to the person who knows?
20
Alcibiades
Alc. I do the latter.
Socrates
Soc. And what if you should be on a ship at sea? Would you think whether the tiller should be moved inwards or outwards, The tiller was the handle of an oar at the side of the stern, and was moved towards or away from the center of the ship. and in your ignorance bewilder yourself, or would you entrust it to the helmsman, and be quiet?
