886
Clinias
Clin. First, there is the evidence of the earth, the sun, the stars, and all the universe, and the beautiful ordering of the seasons, marked out by years and months; and then there is the further fact that all Greeks and barbarians believe in the existence of gods.
Athenian
Ath. My dear sir, these bad men cause me alarm—for I will never call it awe—lest haply they scoff at us. For the cause of the corruption in their case is one you are not aware of; since you imagine that it is solely by their incontinence in regard to pleasures and desires that their souls are impelled to that impious life of theirs.
Clinias
Clin. What other cause can there be, Stranger, besides this?
5
Athenian
Ath. One which you, who live elsewhere, could hardly have any knowledge of or notice at all.
Clinias
Clin. What is this cause you are now speaking of?
Athenian
Ath. A very grievous unwisdom which is reputed to be the height of wisdom.
Clinias
Clin. What do you mean?