I do not think that they will admit that their two pursuits
are either wholly or partly evil; but the truth is, that these philosopher-
politicians who aim at both fall short of both in the attainment of their
respective ends, and are really third, although they would like to stand
first. There is no need, however, to be angry at this ambition of theirs--
which may be forgiven; for every man ought to be loved who says and
manfully pursues and works out anything which is at all like wisdom: at
the same time we shall do well to see them as they really are.
CRITO: I have often told you, Socrates, that I am in a constant difficulty
about my two sons. What am I to do with them? There is no hurry about the
younger one, who is only a child; but the other, Critobulus, is getting on,
and needs some one who will improve him. I cannot help thinking, when I
hear you talk, that there is a sort of madness in many of our anxieties
about our children:--in the first place, about marrying a wife of good
family to be the mother of them, and then about heaping up money for them--
and yet taking no care about their education. But then again, when I
contemplate any of those who pretend to educate others, I am amazed. To
me, if I am to confess the truth, they all seem to be such outrageous
beings: so that I do not know how I can advise the youth to study
philosophy.
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