id. In this case also then those who hear
skilfully are benefited, and those who hear unskilfully are damaged? He
admitted this. Is there then a skill in hearing also, as there is in
speaking? It seems so. If you choose, consider the matter in this way
also. The practice of music, to whom does it belong? To a musician. And
the proper making of a statue, to whom do you think that it belongs? To
a statuary. And the looking at a statue skilfully, does this appear to
you to require the aid of no art? This also requires the aid of art.
Then if speaking properly is the business of the skilful man, do you see
that to hear also with benefit is the business of the skilful man? Now
as to speaking and hearing perfectly, and usefully, let us for the
present, if you please, say no more, for both of us are a long way from
everything of the kind. But I think that every man will allow this, that
he who is going to hear philosophers requires some amount of practice in
hearing. Is it not so?

Why then do you say nothing to me? I can only say this to you, that he
who knows not who he is, and for what purpose he exists, and what is
this world, and with whom he is associated, and what things are the good
and the bad, and the beautiful and the ugly, and who neither understands
discourse nor demonstration, nor what is true nor what is false, and who
is not able to distinguish them, will neither desire according to nature
nor turn away nor move towards, nor intend (to act), nor assent, nor
dissent, nor suspend his judgment: to say all in a few words, he will go
about dumb and blind, thinking that he is somebody, but being nobody. Is
this so now for the first time? Is it not the fact that ever since the
human race existed, all errors and misfortunes have arisen through this
ignorance?

This is all that I have to say to you; and I say even this not
willingly. Why? Because you have not roused me. For what must I look to
in order to be roused, as men who are expert in riding are roused by
generous horses? Must I look to your body? You treat it disgracefully.
To your dress? That is luxurious. To your behavior, to your look? That
is the same as nothing. When you would listen to a philosopher, do not
say to him, You tell me nothing; but only show yourself worthy of
hearing or fit for hearing; and you will see how you will move the
speaker.

* * * * *

THAT LOGIC IS NECESSARY.--When one of those who were present said