888–889
Clinias
Clin. Our statement thus far, Stranger, is most excellent.
Athenian
Ath. Very true, O Megillus and Clinias; but we have plunged unawares into a wondrous argument.
Clinias
Clin. What is it you mean?
Athenian
Ath. That which most people account to be the most scientific of all arguments.
5
Clinias
Clin. Explain more clearly.
Athenian
Ath. It is stated by some that all things which are coming into existence, or have or will come into existence, do so partly by nature, partly by art, and partly owing to chance.
Clinias
Clin. Is it not a right statement?
Athenian
Ath. It is likely, to be sure, that what men of science say is true. Anyhow, let us follow them up, and consider what it is that the people in their camp really intend.
Clinias
Clin. By all means let us do so.
Athenian
Ath. It is evident, they assert, that the greatest and most beautiful things are the work of nature and of chance, and the lesser things that of art,—for art receives from nature the great and primary products as existing, and itself molds and shapes all the smaller ones, which we commonly call artificial.
Clinias
Clin. How do you mean?