,,eryxias  ,by a ,platonic ,imitator    
7see ,app5dix ,,ii7    ,translat$ by    
,b5jam9 ,j[ett     ,,app5dix ,,ii4  ,!  
two dialogues :i* are translat$ 9 !     
second app5dix are n m5tion$ by         
,ari/otle1 or by any e>ly au?ority1 & h 
no claim to be ascrib$ to ,plato4 ,!y   
are examples ( ,platonic dialogues to be
 assign$ probably to ! second or ?ird   
g5]ation aft] ,plato1 :5 8 writ+s 7 well
 kn[n at ,a!ns & ,alex&ria4 ,!y exhibit 
consid]able orig9ality1 & are rem>kable 
= conta9+ sev]al ?\ghts ( ! sort :i* we 
suppose to be mod]n r ?an anci5t1 & :i* 
!re=e h a peculi> int]e/ = u4 ,! ,second
 ,alcibiades %[s t ! difficulties ab\t  
pray] :i* h p]plex$ ,*ri/ian !ologians 7
 n unkn[n among ! foll[]s ( ,plato4 ,!  
,eryxias 0 d\bt$ by ! anci5ts !mselves3 
yet x may claim ! di/9ction ( be+1 among
 all ,greek or ,roman writ+s1 ! "o :i*  
anticipates 9 ! mo/ /rik+ mann] ! mod]n 
sci5ce ( political economy & gives an   
ab/ract =m to "s ( its pr9cipal         
doctr9es4  ,= ! translation ( ^! two    

dialogues ,i am indebt$ to my fri5d &   
secret>y1 ,mr4 ,knight4  ,t ! ,dialogue 
:i* goes by ! "n ( ! ,second ,alcibiades
 is a g5u9e writ+ ( ,plato w n be       
ma9ta9$ by any mod]n critic1 & 0 h>dly  
believ$ by ! anci5ts !mselves4 ,!       
dialectic is poor & weak4 ,!re is no p[]
 ov] language1 or beauty ( /yle2 & !re  
is a c]ta9 abruptness & agroikia 9 !    
conv]sation1 :i* is v un-,platonic4 ,!  
be/ passage is probably t ab\t !        
poets3--! rem>k t ! poet1 :o is ( a     
res]v$ disposition1 is uncommonly       
difficult to und]/&1 & ! ridicul\s      
int]pretation ( ,hom]1 are entirely 9 ! 
_s ( ,plato 7comp>e ,protag2 ,ion2      
,apol474 ,! *>act]s are ill-drawn4      
,socrates assumes ! 'sup]ior p]son' &   
prea*es too mu*1 :ile ,alcibiades is    
/upid & heavy-9-h&4 ,!re are traces (   
,/oic influ5ce 9 ! g5]al tone &         
phraseology ( ! ,dialogue 7comp>e opos  
melesei tis444kaka3 oti pas aphron      
ma9etai73 & ! writ] seems to h be5      
acqua9t$ ) ! ',laws' ( ,plato 7comp>e   

,laws74 ,an incid5t f ! ,symposium is r 
clumsily introduc$1 & two some:at       
hackney$ quotations 7,symp41 ,gorg47    
recur4 ,! ref]5ce to ! dea? ( ,ar*elaus 
z hav+ occurr$ 'q lately' is only a     
fiction1 probably sugge/$ by ! ,gorgias1
 :]e ! /ory ( ,ar*elaus is told1 & a    
simil> phrase occurs2--ta g> e*!s kai   
pro5 gegonota tauta1 k4t4l4 ,!re are    
sev]al passages :i* are ei!r corrupt or 
extremely ill-express$4 ,b !re is a     
mod]n int]e/ 9 ! subject ( ! dialogue2 &
 x is a good example ( a %ort spuri\s   
"w1 :i* may be attribut$ to ! second or 
?ird c5tury be=e ,*ri/4                 
,,introduction4  ,mu* _c be said 9      
praise ( ! /yle or conception ( !       
,eryxias4 ,x is frequ5tly obscure2 l !  
ex]cise ( a /ud5t1 x is full ( small    
imitations ( ,plato3--,phaeax return+ f 
an exp$ition to ,sicily 7comp>e         
,socrates 9 ! ,*>mides f ! army at      
,potidaea71 ! figure ( ! game at        
draughts1 borr[$ f ! ,republic1 etc4 ,x 
has also 9 _m passages ! r+ ( sophi/ry4 

,on ! o!r h&1 ! r unh&some treatm5t :i* 
is exhibit$ t[>ds ,prodicus is q unlike 
! urbanity ( ,plato4  ,yet !re are "s   
po9ts 9 ! argum5t :i* are des]v+ (      
att5tion4 7#a7 ,t weal? dep5ds ^u ! ne$ 
( x or dem& = x1 is ! fir/ anticipation 
9 an ab/ract =m ( "o ( ! great pr9ciples
 ( mod]n political economy1 & ! ne>e/   
approa* to x to be f\nd 9 an anci5t     
writ]4 7#b7 ,! resolution ( weal? into  
its simple/ implem5ts go+ on to inf9ity 
is a subtle & ref9$ ?\ght4 7#c7 ,t weal?
 is relative to circum/ances is a s\nd  
conception4 7#d7 ,t ! arts & sci5ces :i*
 receive paym5t are likewise to be      
compreh5d$ "u ! notion ( weal?1 also    
t\*es a "q ( mod]n political economy4   
7#e7 ,! di/9ction ( po/ hoc & propt]    
hoc1 (t5 lo/ sight ( 9 mod]n z well z 9 
anci5t times4 ,^! metaphysical          
conceptions & di/9ctions %[ consid]able 
p[] ( ?\ght 9 ! writ]1 :atev] we may ?9k
 ( 8 m]its z an imitator ( ,plato4      
,,eryxias   ,,p]sons ,,( ,,! ,,dialogue3
 ,socrates1 ,eryxias1 ,erasi/ratus1     

,critias4  ,,sc5e3 ,! portico ( a temple
 ( ,zeus4   ,x happ5$ by *ance t        
,eryxias ! ,/eirian 0 walk+ ) me 9 !    
,portico ( ,zeus ! ,deliv]]1 :5 !re came
 up to u ,critias & ,erasi/ratus1 !     
latt] ! son ( ,phaeax1 :o 0 ! nephew (  
,erasi/ratus4 ,n[ ,erasi/ratus _h j     
arriv$ f ,sicily & t "p ( ! _w4 ,z !y   
approa*$1 he said1 ,hail1 ,socrates6    
,,socrates3 ,! same to y1 ,i said2 h y  
any good news f ,sicily to tell u8      
,,erasi/ratus3 ,mo/ excell5t4 ,b1 if y  
please1 let u fir/ sit d[n2 = ,i am tir$
 ) my ye/]day's j\rney f ,meg>a4        
,,socrates3 ,gladly1 if t is y\r desire4
  ,,erasi/ratus3 ,:at w\ld y wi% to he> 
fir/8 he said4 ,:at ! ,sicilians are    
do+1 or h[ !y are dispos$ t[>ds our     
city8 ,to my m9d1 !y are v l wasps3 s   
long z y only cause !m a little         
annoyance !y are q unmanageable2 y mu/  
de/roy _! ne/s if y wi% to get ! bett] (
 !m4 ,& 9 a simil> way1 ! ,syracusans1  
unless we set to "w 9 e>ne/1 & g aga9/  
!m ) a great exp$ition1 w nev] submit to

 our rule4 ,! petty injuries :i* we at  
pres5t inflict m]ely irritate !m en\gh  
to make !m utt]ly intractable4 ,& n[ !y 
h s5t ambassadors to ,a!ns1 & int5d1 ,i 
suspect1 to play u "s trick4--,:ile we 7
 talk+1 ! ,syracusan envoys *anc$ to g  
by1 & ,erasi/ratus1 po9t+ to "o ( !m1   
said to me1 ,t1 ,socrates1 is ! ri*e/   
man 9 all ,italy & ,sicily4 ,= :o has   
l>g] e/ates or m l& at 8 disposal to    
cultivate if he please8 ,& !y are ( a   
quality1 too1 f9] ?an any o!r l& 9      
,hellas4 ,moreov]1 he has all ! ?+s :i* 
g to make up weal?1 slaves & horses     
innum]able1 gold & silv] )\t end4  ,i   
saw t he 0 incl9$ to expatiate on !     
ri*es ( ! man2 s ,i ask$ him1 ,well1    
,erasi/ratus1 & :at sort ( "* does he   
be> 9 ,sicily8  ,,erasi/ratus3 ,he is   
e/eem$ to be1 & really is1 ! wick$e/ (  
all ! ,sicilians & ,italians1 & ev5 m   
wick$ ?an he is ri*2 inde$1 if y 7 to   
ask any ,sicilian :om he ?\ght to be !  
wor/ & ! ri*e/ ( mank9d1 y w\ld nev] he>
 any "o else nam$4  ,i reflect$ t we 7  

speak+1 n ( trivial matt]s1 b ab\t weal?
 & virtue1 :i* are deem$ to be ( !      
greate/ mom5t1 & ,i ask$ ,erasi/ratus   
:om he consid]$ ! weal?i]1--he :o 0 !   
possessor ( a tal5t ( silv] or he :o _h 
a field wor? two tal5ts8  ,,erasi/ratus3
 ,! own] ( ! field4  ,,socrates3 ,& on !
 same pr9ciple he :o _h robes & b$d+ &  
su* ?+s :i* are ( great] value to him   
?an to a /rang] w\ld be ri*] ?an !      
/rang]8  ,,erasi/ratus3 ,true4          
,,socrates3 ,& if any "o gave y a *oice1
 :i* ( ^! w\ld y pref]8  ,,erasi/ratus3 
,t :i* 0 mo/ valuable4  ,,socrates3 ,9  
:i* way d y ?9k y w\ld be ! ri*]8       
,,erasi/ratus3 ,by *oos+ z ,i said4     
,,socrates3 ,& he appe>s to y to be !   
ri*e/ :o has goods ( ! greate/ value8   
,,erasi/ratus3 ,he does4  ,,socrates3 ,&
 are n ! heal?y ri*] ?an ! sick1 s9ce   
heal? is a possession m valuable ?an    
ri*es to ! sick8 ,surely !re is no "o :o
 w\ld n pref] to be poor & well1 r ?an  
to h all ! ,k+ ( ,p]sia's weal? & to be 
ill4 ,& ?is proves t m5 set heal? above 

weal?1 else !y w\ld nev] *oose ! "o 9   
pref]5ce to ! o!r4  ,,erasi/ratus3      
,true4  ,,socrates3 ,& if any?+ appe>$  
to be m valuable ?an heal?1 he w\ld be !
 ri*e/ :o possess$ x8  ,,erasi/ratus3   
,he w\ld4  ,,socrates3 ,suppose t "s "o 
came to u at ?is mom5t & 7 to ask1      
,well1 ,socrates & ,eryxias &           
,erasi/ratus1 c y tell me :at is ( !    
greate/ value to m58 ,is x n t ( :i* !  
possession w be/ enable a man to advise 
h[ 8 own & 8 fri5d's affairs %\ld be    
adm9i/]$8--,:at w be our reply8         
,,erasi/ratus3 ,i %\ld say1 ,socrates1 t
 happ9ess 0 ! mo/ preci\s ( human       
possessions4  ,,socrates3 ,n a bad      
answ]4 ,b d we n deem ^? m5 :o are mo/  
prosp]\s to be ! happie/8               
,,erasi/ratus3 ,t is my op9ion4         
,,socrates3 ,& are !y n mo/ prosp]\s :o 
commit ! fewe/ errors 9 respect ei!r (  
!mselves or ( o!r m58  ,,erasi/ratus3   
,c]ta9ly4  ,,socrates3 ,& !y :o "k :at  
is evil & :at is good2 :at %\ld be done 
& :at %\ld be left undone2--^! behave ! 

mo/ wisely & make ! fewe/ mi/akes8      
,erasi/ratus agre$ to ?is4  ,,socrates3 
,!n ! wise/ & ^? :o d be/ & ! mo/       
=tunate & ! ri*e/ w\ld appe> to be all  
"o & ! same1 if wisdom is really ! mo/  
valuable ( our possessions8  ,yes1 said 
,eryxias1 int]pos+1 b :at use w\ld x be 
if a man _h ! wisdom ( ,ne/or & want$ ! 
necess>ies ( life1 food & dr9k & clo!s &
 ! l8 ,:]e w\ld be ! advantage ( wisdom 
!n8 ,or h[ c\ld he be ! ri*e/ ( m5 :o   
might ev5 h to g begg+1 because he _h n 
:]e)al to live8  ,i ?\ght t :at ,eryxias
 0 say+ _h "s weight1 & ,i repli$1 ,w\ld
 ! wise man really suff] 9 ?is way1 if  
he 7 s ill-provid$2 :]eas if he _h !    
h\se ( ,polytion1 & ! h\se 7 full ( gold
 & silv]1 he w\ld lack no?+8  ,,eryxias3
 ,yes2 = !n he might dispose ( 8 prop]ty
 & obta9 9 ex*ange :at he ne$$1 or he   
might sell x = money ) :i* he c\ld      
supply 8 wants & 9 a mom5t procure      
abundance ( ev]y?+4  ,,socrates3 ,true1 
if he c\ld f9d "s "o :o pref]r$ su* a   
h\se to ! wisdom ( ,ne/or4 ,b if !re are

 p]sons :o set great /ore by wisdom l   
,ne/or's & ! advantages accru+ f x1 to  
sell ^!1 if he 7 s dispos$1 w\ld be     
easi] /ill4 ,or is a h\se a mo/ useful &
 necess>y possession1 & does x make a   
great diff]5ce 9 ! com=t ( life to h a  
mansion l ,polytion's in/ead ( liv+ 9 a 
%abby little cottage1 :]eas wisdom is ( 
small use & x is ( no importance :e!r a 
man is wise or ignorant ab\t ! highe/   
matt]s8 ,or is wisdom despis$ ( m5 & c  
f9d no buy]s1 al?\gh cypress wood &     
m>ble ( ,p5telicus are eag]ly b\ght by  
num]\s pur*as]s8 ,surely ! prud5t pilot 
or ! skilful physician1 or ! arti/ ( any
 k9d :o is pr(ici5t 9 8 art1 is m wor?  
?an ! ?+s :i* are especially reckon$    
among ri*es2 & he :o c advise well &    
prud5tly = himself & o!rs is able also  
to sell ! product ( 8 art1 if he s      
desire4  ,eryxias look$ askance1 z if he
 _h receiv$ "s unfair treatm5t1 & said1 
,i believe1 ,socrates1 t if y 7 =c$ to  
speak ! tru?1 y w\ld decl>e t y 7 ri*]  
?an ,callias ! son ( ,hipponicus4 ,&    

yet1 al?\gh y claim$ to be wis] ab\t ?+s
 ( real importance1 y w\ld n any ! m be 
ri*] ?an he4  ,i d>e say1 ,eryxias1 ,i  
said1 t y may reg>d ^! argum5ts ( ours z
 a k9d ( game2 y ?9k t !y h no relation 
to facts1 b are l ! pieces 9 ! game (   
draughts :i* ! play] c move 9 su* a way 
t 8 oppon5ts are unable to make any     
c\nt]move4 7,comp>e ,republic47 ,&      
p]haps1 too1 z reg>ds ri*es y are (     
op9ion t :ile facts rema9 ! same1 !re   
are argum5ts1 no matt] :e!r true or     
false1 :i* enable ! us] ( !m to prove t 
! wise/ & ! ri*e/ are "o & ! same1      
al?\gh he is 9 ! wrong & 8 oppon5ts are 
9 ! "r4 ,!re w\ld be no?+ /range 9 ?is2 
x w\ld be z if two p]sons 7 to dispute  
ab\t lett]s1 "o decl>+ t ! ^w ,socrates 
began ) an ,s1 ! o!r t x began ) an ,a1 
& ! latt] c\ld ga9 ! victory ov] ! =m]4 
,eryxias glanc$ at ! audi5ce1 laugh+ &  
blu%+ at once1 z if he _h _h no?+ to d )
 :at _h j be5 said1 & repli$1--,no1     
inde$1 ,socrates1 ,i nev] suppos$ t our 
argum5ts %\ld be ( a k9d :i* w\ld nev]  

conv9ce any "o ( ^? "h pres5t or be (   
advantage to !m4 ,= :at man ( s5se c\ld 
ev] be p]suad$ t ! wise/ & ! ri*e/ are !
 same8 ,! tru? is t we are discuss+ !   
subject ( ri*es1 & my notion is t we    
%\ld argue respect+ ! hone/ & di%one/   
means ( acquir+ !m1 &1 g5]ally1 :e!r !y 
are a good ?+ or a bad4  ,v good1 ,i    
said1 & ,i am oblig$ to y = ! h9t3 9    
future we w be m c>eful4 ,b :y d n y    
y\rself1 z y introduc$ ! argum5t1 & d n 
?9k t ! =m] discussion t\*$ ! po9t at   
issue1 tell u :e!r y consid] ri*es to be
 a good or an evil8  ,i am ( op9ion1 he 
said1 t !y are a good4 ,he 0 ab\t to add
 some?+ m1 :5 ,critias int]rupt$        
him3--,d y really suppose s1 ,eryxias8  
,c]ta9ly1 repli$ ,eryxias2 ,i %\ld be   
mad if ,i did n3 & ,i d n fancy t y w\ld
 f9d any "o else ( a contr>y op9ion4  ,&
 ,i1 retort$ ,critias1 %\ld say t !re is
 no "o :om ,i c\ld n compel to admit t  
ri*es are bad = "s m54 ,b surely1 if !y 
7 a good1 !y c\ld n appe> bad = any "o8 
,"h ,i int]pos$ & said to !m3 ,if y two 

7 hav+ an argum5t ab\t equitation & :at 
0 ! be/ way ( rid+1 suppos+ t ,i knew ! 
art myself1 ,i %\ld try to br+ y to an  
agreem5t4 ,= ,i %\ld be a%am$ if ,i 7   
pres5t & did n d :at ,i c\ld to prev5t  
y\r diff]5ce4 ,& ,i %\ld d ! same if y 7
 qu>rell+ ab\t any o!r art & 7 likely1  
unless y agre$ on ! po9t 9 dispute1 to  
"p z enemies in/ead ( z fri5ds4 ,b n[1  
:5 we are cont5d+ ab\t a ?+ ( :i* !     
usefulness cont9ues dur+ ! :ole ( life1 
& x makes an enorm\s diff]5ce :e!r we   
are to reg>d x z b5eficial or n1--a ?+1 
too1 :i* is e/eem$ ( ! highe/ importance
 by ! ,hell5es3--7= p>5ts1 z soon z _!  
*ildr5 are1 z !y ?9k1 come to ye>s (    
discretion1 urge !m to consid] h[ weal? 
may be acquir$1 s9ce by ri*es ! value ( 
a man is judg$73--,:51 ,i say1 we are   
?us 9 e>ne/1 & y1 :o agree 9 o!r        
respects1 fall to disput+ ab\t a matt] (
 su* mom5t1 t is1 ab\t weal?1 & n m]ely 
:e!r x is black or :ite1 light or heavy1
 b :e!r x is a good or an evil1 :]eby1  
al?\gh y are n[ ! de>e/ ( fri5ds &      

k9sm51 ! mo/ bitt] hatr$ may arise      
betwixt y1 ,i mu/ h9d] y\r diss5sion to 
! be/ ( my p[]4 ,if ,i c\ld1 ,i w\ld    
tell y ! tru?1 & s put an end to !      
dispute2 b z ,i _c d ?is1 & ea* ( y     
supposes t y c br+ ! o!r to an agreem5t1
 ,i am prep>$1 z f> z my capacity       
admits1 to help y 9 solv+ ! "q4 ,please1
 !re=e1 ,critias1 try to make u accept !
 doctr9es :i* y y\rself ent]ta94        
,,critias3 ,i %\ld l to foll[ up !      
argum5t1 & w ask ,eryxias :e!r he ?9ks t
 !re are j & unju/ m58  ,,eryxias3 ,mo/ 
decid$ly4  ,,critias3 ,& does inju/ice  
seem to y an evil or a good8  ,,eryxias3
 ,an evil4  ,,critias3 ,d y consid] t he
 :o bribes 8 neighb\r's wife & commits  
adult]y ) h]1 acts ju/ly or unju/ly1 &  
?is al?\gh bo? ! /ate & ! laws =bid8    
,,eryxias3 ,unju/ly4  ,,critias3 ,& if !
 wick$ man has weal? & is will+ to sp5d 
x1 he w c>ry out 8 evil purposes8 :]eas 
he :o is %ort ( means _c d :at he fa9   
w\ld1 & !re=e does n s98 ,9 su* a case1 
surely1 x is bett] t a p]son %\ld n be  

weal?y1 if 8 pov]ty prev5ts !           
accompli%m5t ( 8 desires1 & 8 desires   
are evil8 ,or1 aga91 %\ld y call        
sickness a good or an evil8  ,,eryxias3 
,an evil4  ,,critias3 ,well1 & d y ?9k t
 "s m5 are intemp]ate8  ,,eryxias3 ,yes4
  ,,critias3 ,!n1 if x is bett] = 8     
heal? t ! intemp]ate man %\ld refra9 f  
meat & dr9k & o!r pleasant ?+s1 b he _c 
ow+ to 8 intemp]ance1 w x n also be     
bett] t he %\ld be too poor to gratify 8
 lu/ r ?an t he %\ld h a sup]abundance (
 means8 ,= ?us he w n be able to s91    
al?\gh he desire nev] s mu*4  ,critias  
appe>$ to be argu+ s admirably t        
,eryxias1 if he _h n be5 a%am$ ( !      
by/&]s1 w\ld probably h got up & /ruck  
him4 ,= he ?\ght t he _h be5 robb$ ( a  
great possession :5 x became obvi\s to  
him t he _h be5 wrong 9 8 =m] op9ion    
ab\t weal?4 ,i obs]v$ 8 vexation1 & fe>$
 t !y w\ld proce$ to abuse & qu>rell+3 s
 ,i said1--,i he>d t v argum5t us$ 9 !  
,lyceum ye/]day by a wise man1 ,prodicus
 ( ,ceos2 b ! audi5ce ?\ght t he 0 talk+

 m]e nons5se1 & no "o c\ld be p]suad$ t 
he 0 speak+ ! tru?4 ,& :5 at la/ a c]ta9
 talkative "y g5tleman came 91 &1 tak+ 8
 seat1 began to laugh & je] at          
,prodicus1 torm5t+ him & dem&+ an       
explanation ( 8 argum5t1 he ga9$ ! e> ( 
! audi5ce f> m ?an ,prodicus4  ,c y     
repeat ! disc\rse to u8 ,said           
,erasi/ratus4  ,,socrates3 ,if ,i c only
 rememb] x1 ,i w4 ,! y\? began by ask+  
,prodicus1 ,9 :at way did he ?9k t ri*es
 7 a good & 9 :at an evil8 ,prodicus    
answ]$1 z y did j n[1 t !y 7 a good to  
good m5 & to ^? :o knew 9 :at way !y    
%\ld be employ$1 :ile to ! bad & !      
ignorant !y 7 an evil4 ,! same is true1 
he w5t on to say1 ( all o!r ?+s2 m5 make
 !m to be :at !y are !mselves4 ,! say+ (
 ,ar*ilo*us is true3--  ',m5's ?\ghts   
correspond to ! ?+s :i* !y meet )4'     
,well1 !n1 repli$ ! y\?1 if any "o makes
 me wise 9 t wisdom :]eby good m5 become
 wise1 he mu/ also make ev]y?+ else good
 to me4 ,n t he conc]ns himself at all )
 ^! o!r ?+s1 b he has conv]t$ my        

ignorance into wisdom4 ,if1 = example1 a
 p]son tea* me gramm> or music1 he w at 
! same "t tea* me all t relates to      
gramm> or music1 & s :5 he makes me     
good1 he makes ?+s good to me4          
,prodicus did n altoge!r agree3 /ill he 
cons5t$ to :at 0 said4  ,& d y ?9k1 said
 ! y\?1 t do+ good ?+s is l build+ a    
h\se1--! "w ( human ag5cy2 or d ?+s     
rema9 :at !y 7 at fir/1 good or bad1 =  
all "t8  ,prodicus began to suspect1 ,i 
fancy1 ! direction :i* ! argum5t 0      
likely to take1 & did n wi% to be put   
d[n by a m]e /ripl+ be=e all ^?         
pres5t3--7if !y two _h be5 alone1 he    
w\ld n h m9d$73--s he answ]$1 clev]ly   
en\gh3 ,i ?9k t do+ good ?+s is a "w (  
human ag5cy4  ,& is virtue 9 y\r op9ion1
 ,prodicus1 innate or acquir$ by        
in/ruction8  ,! latt]1 said ,prodicus4  
,!n y w\ld consid] him a simpleton :o   
suppos$ t he c\ld obta9 by pray+ to !   
,gods ! k ( gramm> or music or any o!r  
art1 :i* he mu/ ei!r le>n f ano!r or f9d
 out = himself8  ,prodicus agre$ to ?is 

also4  ,& :5 y pray to ! ,gods t y may d
 well & receive good1 y mean by y\r     
pray] no?+ else ?an t y desire to become
 good & wise3--if1 at lea/1 ?+s are good
 to ! good & wise & evil to ! evil4 ,b 9
 t case1 if virtue is acquir$ by        
in/ruction1 x w\ld appe> t y only pray  
to be taught :at y d n "k4  ,h]eupon ,i 
said to ,prodicus t x 0 no mis=tune to  
him if he _h be5 prov$ to be 9 error 9  
suppos+ t ! ,gods imm$iately grant$ to u
 :atev] we ask$3--if1 ,i add$1 :5ev] y g
 up to ! ,acropolis y e>ne/ly entreat ! 
,gods to grant y good ?+s1 al?\gh y "k n
 :e!r !y c yield y\r reque/1 x is z ?\gh
 y w5t to ! doors ( ! gramm>ian & begg$ 
him1 al?\gh y _h nev] made a /udy ( !   
art1 to give y a k ( gramm> :i* w\ld    
enable y =?) to d ! bus9ess ( a         
gramm>ian4  ,:ile ,i 0 speak+1 ,prodicus
 0 prep>+ to retaliate ^u 8 y\?ful      
assailant1 int5d+ to employ ! argum5t ( 
:i* y h j made use2 = he 0 annoy$ to h x
 suppos$ t he (f]$ a va9 pray] to !     
,gods4 ,b ! ma/] ( ! gymnasium came to  

him & begg$ him to leave because he 0   
tea*+ ! y\?s doctr9es :i* 7 unsuit$ to  
!m1 & !re=e bad = !m4  ,i h told y ?is  
because ,i want y to und]/& h[ m5 are   
circum/anc$ 9 reg>d to philosophy4 ,_h  
,prodicus be5 pres5t & said :at y h     
said1 ! audi5ce w\ld h ?\ght him rav+1 &
 he w\ld h be5 eject$ f ! gymnasium4 ,b 
y h argu$ s excell5tly well t y h n only
 p]suad$ y\r he>]s1 b h br\ght y\r      
oppon5t to an agreem5t4 ,= j z 9 ! law  
c\rts1 if two witnesses te/ify to ! same
 fact1 "o ( :om seems to be an hone/    
fell[ & ! o!r a rogue1 ! te/imony ( !   
rogue (t5 has ! contr>y effect on !     
judges' m9ds to :at he int5d$1 :ile !   
same evid5ce if giv5 by ! hone/ man at  
once /rikes !m z p]fectly true4 ,&      
probably ! audi5ce h some?+ ( ! same    
feel+ ab\t y\rself & ,prodicus2 !y ?9k  
him a ,sophi/ & a bragg>t1 & reg>d y z a
 g5tleman ( c\rtesy & wor?4 ,= !y d n   
pay att5tion to ! argum5t s mu* z to !  
"* ( ! speak]4  ,b truly1 ,socrates1    
said ,erasi/ratus1 ?\gh y may be jok+1  

,critias does seem to me to be say+     
some?+ :i* is ( weight4  ,,socrates3 ,i 
am 9 pr(\nd e>ne/1 ,i assure y4 ,b :y1 z
 y h begun y\r argum5t s prettily1 d y n
 g on ) ! re/8 ,!re is /ill some?+      
lack+1 n[ y h agre$ t 7weal?7 is a good 
to "s & an evil to o!rs4 ,x rema9s to   
enquire :at con/itutes weal?2 = unless y
 "k ?is1 y _c possibly come to an       
und]/&+ z to :e!r x is a good or an     
evil4 ,i am ready to assi/ y 9 ! enquiry
 to ! utmo/ ( my p[]3 b fir/ let him :o 
affirms t ri*es are a good1 tell u :at1 
9 8 op9ion1 is weal?4  ,,erasi/ratus3   
,inde$1 ,socrates1 ,i h no notion ab\t  
weal? beyond t :i* m5 commonly h4 ,i    
suppose t weal? is a quantity ( money   
7comp>e ,ari/4 ,pol472 & ?is1 ,i imag9e1
 w\ld also be ,critias' def9ition4      
,,socrates3 ,!n n[ we h to consid]1 ,:at
 is money8 ,or else lat] on we %all be  
f\nd to diff] ab\t ! "q4 ,= in/ance1 !  
,c>?ag9ians use money ( ?is sort4       
,some?+ :i* is ab\t ! size ( a /at] is  
ti$ up 9 a small piece ( lea!r3 :at x   

is1 no "o kn[s b ! mak]s4 ,a seal is    
next set ^u ! lea!r1 :i* !n passes into 
circulation1 & he :o has ! l>ge/ numb] (
 su* pieces is e/eem$ ! ri*e/ & be/ (f4 
,& yet if any "o among u _h a mass ( su*
 co9s he w\ld be no weal?i] ?an if he _h
 s _m pebbles f ! m\nta94 ,at           
,lac$aemon1 aga91 !y use iron by weight 
:i* has be5 r5d]$ useless3 & he :o has !
 greate/ mass ( su* iron is ?\ght to be 
! ri*e/1 al?\gh else:]e x has no value4 
,9 ,e?iopia engrav$ /ones are employ$1 (
 :i* a ,lac$aemonian c\ld make no use4  
,once m1 among ! ,nomad ,scy?ians a man 
:o own$ ! h\se ( ,polytion w\ld n be    
?\ght ri*] ?an "o :o possess$ ,m\nt     
,lycabettus among ourselves4 ,& cle>ly  
^? ?+s _c all be reg>d$ z possessions2 =
 9 "s cases ! possessors w\ld appe> none
 ! ri*] !reby3 b1 z ,i 0 say+1 "s "o (  
!m is ?\ght 9 "o place to be money1 & ! 
possessors ( x are ! weal?y1 :]eas 9 "s 
o!r place x is n money1 & ! own]%ip ( x 
does n conf] weal?2 j z ! /&>d ( morals 
v>ies1 & :at is hon\rable to "s m5 is   

di%on\rable to o!rs4 ,& if we wi% to    
enquire :y a h\se is valuable to u b n  
to ! ,scy?ians1 or :y ! ,c>?ag9ians     
value lea!r :i* is wor?less to u1 or !  
,lac$aemonians f9d weal? 9 iron & we d  
n1 c we n get an answ] 9 "s su* way z   
?is3 ,w\ld an ,a!nian1 :o _h a ?\s&     
tal5ts weight ( ! /ones :i* lie ab\t 9 !
 ,agora & :i* we d n employ = any       
purpose1 be ?\ght to be any ! ri*]8     
,,erasi/ratus3 ,he c]ta9ly w\ld n appe> 
s to me4  ,,socrates3 ,b if he possess$ 
a ?\s& tal5ts weight ( "s preci\s /one1 
we %\ld say t he 0 v ri*8               
,,erasi/ratus3 ,( c\rse4  ,,socrates3 ,!
 reason is t ! "o is useless & ! o!r    
useful8  ,,erasi/ratus3 ,yes4           
,,socrates3 ,& 9 ! same way among !     
,scy?ians a h\se has no value because !y
 h no use = a h\se1 nor w\ld a ,scy?ian 
set s mu* /ore on ! f9e/ h\se 9 ! _w z  
on a lea!r coat1 because he c\ld use !  
"o & n ! o!r4 ,or aga91 ! ,c>?ag9ian    
co9age is n weal? 9 our eyes1 = we c\ld 
n employ x1 z we c silv]1 to procure :at

 we ne$1 & !re=e x is ( no use to u4    
,,erasi/ratus3 ,true4  ,,socrates3 ,:at 
is useful to u1 !n1 is weal?1 & :at is  
useless to u is n weal?8  ,b h[ d y     
mean1 ,socrates8 said ,eryxias1         
int]rupt+4 ,d we n employ 9 our         
int]c\rse ) "o ano!r spee* & viol5ce 787
 & v>i\s o!r ?+s8 ,^! are useful & yet  
!y are n weal?4  ,,socrates3 ,cle>ly we 
h n yet answ]$ ! "q1 ,:at is weal?8 ,t  
weal? mu/ be useful1 to be weal? at     
all1--?us mu* is ackn[l$g$ by e "o4 ,b  
:at p>ticul> ?+ is weal?1 if n all ?+s8 
,let u pursue ! argum5t 9 ano!r way2 &  
!n we may p]haps f9d :at we are seek+4  
,:at is ! use ( weal?1 & = :at purpose  
has ! possession ( ri*es be5 inv5t$1--9 
! s5se1 ,i mean1 9 :i* drugs h be5      
discov]$ = ! cure ( disease8 ,p]haps 9  
?is way we may ?r[ "s light on ! "q4 ,x 
appe>s to be cle> t :atev] con/itutes   
weal? mu/ be useful1 & t weal? is "o    
class ( useful ?+s2 & n[ we h to        
enquire1 ,:at is ! use ( ^? useful ?+s  
:i* con/itute weal?8 ,= all ?+s probably

 may be said to be useful :i* we use 9  
production1 j z all ?+s :i* h life are  
animals1 b !re is a special k9d ( animal
 :i* we call 'man4' ,n[ if any "o 7 to  
ask u1 ,:at is t ( :i*1 if we 7 rid1 we 
%\ld n want m$ic9e & ! in/rum5ts (      
m$ic9e1 we might reply t ?is w\ld be !  
case if disease 7 abs5t f our bodies &  
ei!r nev] came to !m at all or w5t away 
aga9 z soon z x appe>$2 & we may !re=e  
conclude t m$ic9e is ! sci5ce :i* is    
useful = gett+ rid ( disease4 ,b if we  
are fur!r ask$1 ,:at is t f :i*1 if we 7
 free1 we %\ld h no ne$ ( weal?8 c we   
give an answ]8 ,if we h none1 suppose t 
we re/ate ! "q ?us3--,if a man c\ld live
 )\t food or dr9k1 & yet suff] nei!r    
hung] nor ?ir/1 w\ld he want ei!r money 
or any?+ else 9 ord] to supply 8 ne$s8  
,,eryxias3 ,he w\ld n4  ,,socrates3 ,&  
does n ?is apply 9 o!r cases8 ,if we did
 n want = ! s]vice ( ! body ! ?+s ( :i* 
we n[ /& 9 ne$1 & heat & cold & ! o!r   
bodily s5sations 7 unp]ceiv$ by u1 !re  
w\ld be no use 9 ?is s-call$ weal?1 if  

no "o1 t is1 _h any necessity = ^? ?+s  
:i* n[ make u wi% = weal? 9 ord] t we   
may satisfy ! desires & ne$s ( ! body 9 
respect ( our v>i\s wants4 ,& !re=e if !
 possession ( weal? is useful 9 m9i/]+  
to our bodily wants1 & bodily wants 7   
unkn[n to u1 we %\ld n ne$ weal?1 &     
possibly !re w\ld be no su* ?+ z weal?4 
,,eryxias3 ,cle>ly n4  ,,socrates3 ,!n  
our conclusion is1 z w\ld appe>1 t weal?
 is :at is useful to ?is end8  ,eryxias 
once m gave 8 ass5t1 b ! small argum5t  
consid]ably tr\bl$ him4  ,,socrates3 ,& 
:at is y\r op9ion ab\t ano!r "q3--,w\ld 
y say t ! same ?+ c be at "o "t useful &
 at ano!r useless = ! production ( !    
same result8  ,,eryxias3 ,i _c say m ?an
 t if we require ! same ?+ to produce ! 
same result1 !n x seems to me to be     
useful2 if n1 n4  ,,socrates3 ,!n if )\t
 ! aid ( fire we c\ld make a braz5      
/atue1 we %\ld n want fire = t purpose2 
& if we did n want x1 x w\ld be useless 
to u8 ,& ! argum5t applies equally 9 o!r
 cases4  ,,eryxias3 ,cle>ly4            

,,socrates3 ,& !re=e conditions :i* are 
n requir$ = ! exi/5ce ( a ?+ are n      
useful = ! production ( x8  ,,eryxias3  
,( c\rse n4  ,,socrates3 ,& if )\t gold 
or silv] or any?+ else :i* we d n use   
directly = ! body 9 ! way t we d food & 
dr9k & b$d+ & h\ses1--if )\t ^! we c\ld 
satisfy ! wants ( ! body1 !y w\ld be (  
no use to u = t purpose8  ,,eryxias3 ,!y
 w\ld n4  ,,socrates3 ,!y w\ld no long] 
be reg>d$ z weal?1 because !y are       
useless1 :]eas t w\ld be weal? :i*      
enabl$ u to obta9 :at 0 useful to u8    
,,eryxias3 ,o ,socrates1 y w nev] be    
able to p]suade me t gold & silv] &     
simil> ?+s are n weal?4 ,b ,i am v      
/rongly ( op9ion t ?+s :i* are useless  
to u are n weal?1 & t ! money :i* is    
useful = ?is purpose is ( ! greate/ use2
 n t ^! ?+s are n useful t[>ds life1 if 
by !m we c procure weal?4  ,,socrates3  
,& h[ w\ld y answ] ano!r "q8 ,!re are   
p]sons1 are !re n1 :o tea* music &      
gramm> & o!r arts = pay1 & ?us procure  
^? ?+s ( :i* !y /& 9 ne$8  ,,eryxias3   

,!re are4  ,,socrates3 ,& ^! m5 by !    
arts :i* !y pr(ess1 & 9 ex*ange = !m1   
obta9 ! necessities ( life j z we d by  
means ( gold & silv]8  ,,eryxias3 ,true4
  ,,socrates3 ,!n if !y procure by ?is  
means :at !y want = ! purposes ( life1 t
 art w be useful t[>ds life8 ,= d we n  
say t silv] is useful because x enables 
u to supply our bodily ne$s8  ,,eryxias3
 ,we d4  ,,socrates3 ,!n if ^! arts are 
reckon$ among ?+s useful1 ! arts are    
weal? = ! same reason z gold & silv]    
are1 =1 cle>ly1 ! possession ( !m gives 
weal?4 ,yet a little :ile ago we f\nd x 
difficult to accept ! argum5t :i* prov$ 
t ! wise/ are ! weal?ie/4 ,b n[ !re     
seems no escape f ?is conclusion4       
,suppose t we are ask$1 ',is a horse    
useful to ev]ybody8' w n our reply be1  
',no1 b only to ^? :o "k h[ to use a    
horse8'  ,,eryxias3 ,c]ta9ly4           
,,socrates3 ,& s1 too1 physic is n      
useful to e "o1 b only to him :o kn[s h[
 to use x8  ,,eryxias3 ,true4           
,,socrates3 ,& ! same is ! case ) ev]y?+

 else8  ,,eryxias3 ,yes4  ,,socrates3   
,!n gold & silv] & all ! o!r elem5ts :i*
 are suppos$ to make up weal? are only  
useful to ! p]son :o kn[s h[ to use !m8 
,,eryxias3 ,exactly4  ,,socrates3 ,& 7  
we n say+ be=e t x 0 ! bus9ess ( a good 
man & a g5tleman to "k :]e & h[ any?+   
%\ld be us$8  ,,eryxias3 ,yes4          
,,socrates3 ,! good & g5tle1 !re=e w    
alone h pr(it f ^! ?+s1 suppos+ at lea/ 
t !y "k h[ to use !m4 ,b if s1 to !m    
only w !y seem to be weal?4 ,x appe>s1  
h[ev]1 t :]e a p]son is ignorant ( rid+1
 & has horses :i* are useless to him1 if
 "s "o tea*es him t art1 he makes him   
also ri*]1 = :at 0 be=e useless has n[  
become useful to him1 & 9 giv+ him k he 
has also conf]r$ ri*es ^u him4          
,,eryxias3 ,t is ! case4  ,,socrates3   
,yet ,i d>e be sworn t ,critias w n be  
mov$ a :it by ! argum5t4  ,,critias3    
,no1 by heav51 ,i %\ld be a madman if ,i
 74 ,b :y d y n f9i% ! argum5t :i*      
proves t gold & silv] & o!r ?+s :i* seem
 to be weal? are n real weal?8 ,= ,i h  

be5 exce$+ly delight$ to he> ! disc\rses
 :i* y h j be5 hold+4  ,,socrates3 ,my  
argum5t1 ,critias 7,i said71 appe>s to h
 giv5 y ! same k9d ( pleasure :i* y     
might h d]iv$ f "s rhapsode's recitation
 ( ,hom]2 = y d n believe a ^w ( :at has
 be5 said4 ,b come n[1 give me an answ] 
to ?is "q4 ,are n c]ta9 ?+s useful to ! 
build] :5 he is build+ a h\se8          
,,critias3 ,!y are4  ,,socrates3 ,& w\ld
 y say t ^? ?+s are useful :i* are      
employ$ 9 h\se build+1--/ones & bricks &
 beams & ! l1 & also ! in/rum5ts ) :i* !
 build] built ! h\se1 ! beams & /ones   
:i* !y provid$1 & aga9 ! in/rum5ts by   
:i* ^! 7 obta9$8  ,,critias3 ,x seems to
 me t !y are all useful = build+4       
,,socrates3 ,& is x n true ( e art1 t n 
only ! mat]ials b ! in/rum5ts by :i* we 
procure !m & )\t :i* ! "w c\ld n g on1  
are useful = t art8  ,,critias3         
,c]ta9ly4  ,,socrates3 ,& fur!r1 !      
in/rum5ts by :i* ! in/rum5ts are        
procur$1 & s on1 go+ back f /age to /age
 ad inf9itum1--are n all ^!1 9 y\r      

op9ion1 necess>y 9 ord] to c>ry out !   
"w8  ,,critias3 ,we may fairly suppose  
su* to be ! case4  ,,socrates3 ,& if a  
man has food & dr9k & clo!s & ! o!r ?+s 
:i* are useful to ! body1 w\ld he ne$   
gold or silv] or any o!r means by :i* he
 c\ld procure t :i* he n[ has8          
,,critias3 ,i d n ?9k s4  ,,socrates3   
,!n y consid] t a man nev] wants any (  
^! ?+s = ! use ( ! body8  ,,critias3    
,c]ta9ly n4  ,,socrates3 ,& if !y appe> 
useless to ?is end1 ought !y n always to
 appe> useless8 ,= we h already laid d[n
 ! pr9ciple t ?+s _c be at "o "t useful 
& at ano!r "t n1 9 ! same process4      
,,critias3 ,b 9 t respect y\r argum5t & 
m9e are ! same4 ,= y ma9ta9 if !y are   
useful to a c]ta9 end1 !y c nev] become 
useless2 :]eas ,i say t 9 ord] to       
accompli% "s results bad ?+s are ne$$1 &
 good = o!rs4  ,,socrates3 ,b c a bad ?+
 be us$ to c>ry out a good purpose8     
,,critias3 ,i %\ld say n4  ,,socrates3  
,& we call ^? actions good :i* a man    
does = ! sake ( virtue8  ,,critias3     

,yes4  ,,socrates3 ,b c a man le>n any  
k9d ( k :i* is imp>t$ by ^w ( m\? if he 
is :olly depriv$ ( ! s5se ( he>+8       
,,critias3 ,c]ta9ly n1 ,i ?9k4          
,,socrates3 ,& w n he>+ be useful =     
virtue1 if virtue is taught by he>+ & we
 use ! s5se ( he>+ 9 giv+ in/ruction8   
,,critias3 ,yes4  ,,socrates3 ,& s9ce   
m$ic9e frees ! sick man f 8 disease1 t  
art too may sometimes appe> useful 9 !  
acquisition ( virtue1 e4g4 :5 he>+ is   
procur$ by ! aid ( m$ic9e4  ,,critias3  
,v likely4  ,,socrates3 ,b if1 aga91 we 
obta9 by weal? ! aid ( m$ic9e1 %all we n
 reg>d weal? z useful = virtue8         
,,critias3 ,true4  ,,socrates3 ,& also !
 in/rum5ts by :i* weal? is procur$8     
,,critias3 ,c]ta9ly4  ,,socrates3 ,!n y 
?9k t a man may ga9 weal? by bad &      
disgraceful means1 &1 hav+ obta9$ ! aid 
( m$ic9e :i* enables him to acquire !   
p[] ( he>+1 may use t v faculty = !     
acquisition ( virtue8  ,,critias3 ,yes1 
,i d4  ,,socrates3 ,b c t :i* is evil be
 useful = virtue8  ,,critias3 ,no4      

,,socrates3 ,x is n !re=e necess>y t !  
means by :i* we obta9 :at is useful = a 
c]ta9 object %\ld always be useful = !  
same object3 = x seems t bad actions may
 sometimes s]ve good purposes8 ,! matt] 
w be /ill pla9] if we look at x 9 ?is   
way3--,if ?+s are useful t[>ds ! sev]al 
ends = :i* !y exi/1 :i* ends w\ld n come
 into exi/5ce )\t !m1 h[ w\ld y reg>d   
!m8 ,c ignorance1 = in/ance1 be useful =
 k1 or disease = heal?1 or vice =       
virtue8  ,,critias3 ,nev]4  ,,socrates3 
,& yet we h already agre$--h we n8--t   
!re c be no k :]e !re has n previ\sly   
be5 ignorance1 nor heal? :]e !re has n  
be5 disease1 nor virtue :]e !re has n   
be5 vice8  ,,critias3 ,i ?9k t we h4    
,,socrates3 ,b !n x w\ld seem t !       
antec$5ts )\t :i* a ?+ _c exi/ are n    
necess>ily useful to x4 ,o!rwise        
ignorance w\ld appe> useful = k1 disease
 = heal?1 & vice = virtue4  ,critias    
/ill %[$ great reluctance to accept any 
argum5t :i* w5t to prove t all ^! ?+s 7 
useless4 ,i saw t x 0 z difficult to    

p]suade him z 7accord+ to ! prov]b7 x is
 to boil a /one1 s ,i said3 ,let u bid  
'good-bye' to ! discussion1 s9ce we _c  
agree :e!r ^! ?+s are useful & a "p (   
weal? or n4 ,b :at %all we say to ano!r 
"q3 ,:i* is ! happi] & bett] man1--he :o
 requires ! greate/ quantity (          
necess>ies = body & diet1 or he :o      
requires only ! fewe/ & lea/8 ,! answ] w
 p]haps become m obvi\s if we suppose "s
 "o1 comp>+ ! man himself at diff]5t    
times1 to consid] :e!r 8 condition is   
bett] :5 he is sick or :5 he is well8   
,,critias3 ,t is n a "q :i* ne$s mu*    
consid]ation4  ,,socrates3 ,probably1 ,i
 said1 e "o c und]/& t heal? is a bett] 
condition ?an disease4 ,b :5 h we !     
greate/ & ! mo/ v>i\s ne$s1 :5 we are   
sick or :5 we are well8  ,,critias3 ,:5 
we are sick4  ,,socrates3 ,& :5 we are 9
 ! wor/ /ate we h ! greate/ & mo/       
especial ne$ & desire ( bodily          
pleasures8  ,,critias3 ,true4           
,,socrates3 ,& see+ t a man is be/ (f :5
 he is lea/ 9 ne$ ( su* ?+s1 does n !   

same reason+ apply to ! case ( any two  
p]sons1 ( :om "o has _m & great wants & 
desires1 & ! o!r few & mod]ate8 ,=      
in/ance1 "s m5 are gambl]s1 "s drunk>ds1
 & "s gluttons3 & gambl+ & ! love ( dr9k
 & gre$9ess are all desires8  ,,critias3
 ,c]ta9ly4  ,,socrates3 ,b desires are  
only ! lack ( some?+3 & ^? :o h !       
greate/ desires are 9 a worse condition 
?an ^? :o h none or v slight ones8      
,,critias3 ,c]ta9ly ,i consid] t ^? :o h
 su* wants are bad1 & t ! great] _!     
wants ! worse !y are4  ,,socrates3 ,& d 
we ?9k x possible t a ?+ %\ld be useful 
= a purpose unless we h ne$ ( x = t     
purpose8  ,,critias3 ,no4  ,,socrates3  
,!n if ^! ?+s are useful = supply+ !    
ne$s ( ! body1 we mu/ want !m = t       
purpose8  ,,critias3 ,t is my op9ion4   
,,socrates3 ,& he to :om ! greate/ numb]
 ( ?+s are useful = 8 purpose1 w also   
want ! greate/ numb] ( means (          
accompli%+ x1 suppos+ t we necess>ily   
feel ! want ( all useful ?+s8           
,,critias3 ,x seems s4  ,,socrates3 ,!  

argum5t proves !n t he :o has great     
ri*es has likewise ne$ ( _m ?+s = !     
supply ( ! wants ( ! body2 = weal?      
appe>s useful t[>ds t end4 ,& ! ri*e/   
mu/ be 9 ! wor/ condition1 s9ce !y seem 
to be mo/ 9 want ( su* ?+s4