Euthydemus

​SOCRATES: “There is no one who does not,” Clinias said. — “Very well,” I said; “as for the next thing, since we wish to do well, how might we do well? Would it be if we had many good things? Or is this even sillier than the other question? For I suppose this too is clear, that it is so.” — He agreed. — “Come then, what sort of existing things actually happen to be good for us? Or does it seem that to be well-provided with this is also not difficult, nor the mark of a very grand man? For everyone would tell us that to be rich is a good thing; is that not so?” — “Quite so,” he said. — “And also to be healthy and beautiful, and to be sufficiently provided with the other things regarding the body?” — He agreed. — “But surely noble birth, powers, and honors in one’s own land are clearly good things.” — He agreed. — “Then what is still left for us,” I said, “among good things? What indeed is it to be temperate, just, and brave? By Zeus, Clinias, do you think, if we place these as good things, that we shall place them correctly, or if we do not? For perhaps someone might dispute it with us; but how does it seem to you?” — “They are good,” Clinias said. — ”Very well,” I said; “and where in the chorus shall we arrange wisdom? Among the good things, or how do you say?” — “Among the good things.” — “Consider then lest we are leaving out any of the good things, and one indeed worth mentioning.” — “But we seem to me,” Clinias said, “to be leaving out nothing.” — And I, remembering, said, “Yes, by Zeus, we are in danger of leaving out the greatest of the good things.” — “What is this?” he said. — “Good fortune, Clinias; which everyone, even the very vulgar, says is the greatest of the good things.” — “You speak the truth,” he said. — And I again, changing my mind, said, “We almost became a laughingstock to the strangers, both you and I, son of Axiochus.” — “Why so,” he said, “is that?” — “Because having placed good fortune among them in what went before, we were just now speaking again about the same thing.” — “What then of that?” — “It is surely ridiculous to put forward again what has long been proposed, and to say the same things twice.” — “How,” he said, “do you mean this?” — “Wisdom, surely,” I said, “is good fortune; even a child would know this.” — And he marveled; he is still so young and simple-minded. — And I, perceiving that he was marvelling, said, “Do you not know, Clinias, that regarding the playing of flutes, the flute-players are the most fortunate in doing well?” — He agreed. — “And also,” I said, “regarding the writing and reading of letters, the schoolmasters?” — “Quite so.” — “What then? Against the dangers of the sea, do you think any are more fortunate than the wise pilots, to speak generally?” — “Certainly not.”