897
Athenian
Ath. If, my good sir, we are to assert that the whole course and motion of Heaven and of all it contains have a motion like to the motion and revolution and reckonings of reason,i.e. the uniform revolution of a sphere in the same spot and on its own axis: cp. Plat. Laws 898a; Plat. Tim. 34a ff, Plat. Tim. 34b ff; Plat. 90c, d. and proceed in a kindred manner, then clearly we must assert that the best soul regulates the whole cosmos and drives it on its course, which is of the kind described.
5
Clinias
Clin. You are right.
Athenian
Ath. But the bad soul, if it proceeds in a mad and disorderly way.
Clinias
Clin. That also is right.
Athenian
Ath. Then what is the nature of the motion of reason? Here, my friends, we come to a question that is difficult to answer wisely; consequently, it is fitting that you should now call me in to assist you with the answer.
Clinias
Clin. Very good.
10
Athenian
Ath. In making our answer let us not bring on night, as it were, at midday, by looking right in the eye of the sun,Cp.Plat. Rep. 516a ff. as though with mortal eyes we could ever behold reason and know it fully; the safer way to behold the object with which our question is concerned is by looking at an image of it.
Clinias
Clin. How do you mean?
Athenian
Ath. Let us take as an image that one of the ten motions which reason resembles; reminding ourselves of whichCp. Plat. Laws 893b.; the motion to which reason is likened is the first of the ten. I, along with you, will make answer.
Clinias
Clin. You will probably speak admirably.