127–128
Alcibiades
Alc. Well, by Heaven, Socrates, I do not even know what I mean myself, and I fear that for some time past I have lived unawares in a disgraceful condition.
Socrates
Soc. But you must take heart. For had you perceived your plight at fifty, it would be hard for you to take pains with yourself; whereas here you are at the time of life when one ought to perceive it.
Alcibiades
Alc. Then what should one do on perceiving it, Socrates?
Socrates
Soc. Answer the questions asked, Alcibiades: only do that, and with Heaven’s favor—if we are to put any trust in my divination—you and I shall both be in better case.
Alcibiades
Alc. That shall be, so far as my answering can avail.
30
Socrates
Soc. Come then, what is taking pains over oneself— for we may perchance be taking, unawares, no pains over ourselves, though we think we are—and when does a man actually do it? Does he take pains over himself at the same time as over his own things?
Alcibiades
Alc. I at least believe so.
Socrates
Soc. Well now, when does a man take pains over his feet? Is it when he takes pains over what belongs to his feet?
Alcibiades
Alc. I do not understand.
Socrates
Soc. Is there anything you can name as belonging to the hand? For instance, does a ring belong to any other part of a man but the finger?
5
Alcibiades
Alc. No, indeed.
Socrates
Soc. And so the shoe also belongs to the foot, in the same way?
Socrates
Soc. And likewise clothes and coverlets belong to the whole body?
Socrates
Soc. Now when we take pains over our shoes, we take pains over our feet?
Alcibiades
Alc. I do not quite understand, Socrates.
