Theaetetus

​THEODORUS: Indeed, Socrates, it is well worth my telling and your hearing what a remarkable youth among your citizens I have met with. If he were handsome, I should be very afraid to say so, lest someone should suspect I was in love with him. But as it is—and do not be angry with me—he is not handsome, but resembles you in his snub nose and protruding eyes, though he has these features less markedly than you. So I speak without fear. For you may be sure that of all those I have ever met—and I have associated with very many—I have never yet perceived anyone so wonderfully gifted by nature. For that one who is quick at learning, which is generally difficult for others, should also be exceptionally gentle, and besides this, brave beyond anyone else, is something I should not have thought could happen, nor do I see it occurring. On the contrary, those who are sharp, quick-witted, and of good memory like him are for the most part also quick-tempered; they are swept along like ships without ballast, and their nature is more manic than brave; while those, on the other hand, who are more steady present themselves as somewhat dull when facing studies, and full of forgetfulness. But he goes to his studies and investigations so smoothly, without tripping, and effectively, with such great gentleness, like a stream of oil flowing without a sound, that one is amazed that someone of his age can accomplish this so well. SOCRATES: That is good news. And whose son of your citizens is he? THEODORUS: I have heard the name, but I do not remember it. However, he is the one in the middle of those who are approaching; for just now in the outside running-track he and some of his companions were anointing themselves, and now they seem to have finished and to be coming here. See if you recognize him. SOCRATES: I do recognize him. He is the son of Euphronius of Sunium, who was indeed, my friend, just the sort of man you describe his son to be, and highly esteemed in other respects; and besides, he left a very large fortune. But I do not know the youth’s name. THEODORUS: His name is Theaetetus, Socrates. But I believe some guardians have ruined his fortune. Nevertheless, even in his generosity with money, he is wonderful, Socrates. SOCRATES: You describe a noble man. Tell him, then, to come and sit here beside us. THEODORUS: I will. Theaetetus, come here and sit by Socrates. SOCRATES: Yes, by all means, Theaetetus, so that I too may look at myself and see what sort of face I have; for Theodorus says I resemble you. Now, if each of us had a lyre, and he said they were tuned alike, should we believe him at once, or should we examine whether he speaks as a musician? THEAETETUS: We should examine him. SOCRATES: Therefore, if we found he was a musician, we should believe him, but if he was unmusical, we should disbelieve him? THEAETETUS: True.