HIPPIAS (major) by Plato - Complete text

Page 6

Hip.: Yes, they would ; but it is not lawful for them to give them a foreign education ; for you may be sure that if anybody had ever received money there in payment for education, I should have received by far the most ; they certainly enjoy hearing me and they applaud me ; but, as I say, it is not the law.

Soc.: But, Hippias, do you say that law is an injury to the state, or a benefit?

Hip.: It is made, I think, with benefit in view, but sometimes, if the law is badly made, it is injurious.

Soc.: Well, then, is it not true that those who make the law make it as the greatest good to the state, and that without this it is impossible to enjoy good government?

Hip.: What you say is true.

Soc.: Then, when those who make the laws miss the good, they have missed the lawful and the law ; or what do you say?

Hip.: Speaking accurately, Socrates, that is true ; however, men are not accustomed to think so.

Soc.: The men who know, Hippias, or those who do not know?

Hip.: The many.

Soc.: Are these, the many, those who know the truth?

Hip.: Certainly not.

Soc.: But surely those who know, think that in truth for all men that which is more beneficial is more lawful than that which is less beneficial ; or do you not agree?

Hip.: Yes, I agree that they think it is so in truth.

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Plato : HIPPIAS (major)

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