Soc. By all means, Theaetetus, in order that I may see the reflection of myself in your face, for Theodorus says that we are alike ; and yet if each of us held in his hands a lyre, and he said that they were, tuned alike, should we at once take his word, or should we ask whether he who said so was or was not a musician ?
Theaetetus. We should ask.
Soc. And if we found that he was, we should take his word ; and if not, not ?
Theaet. True.
Soc. And if this supposed, likeness of our faces is a matter of any interest to us we should enquire whether he who says that we are alike is a painter or not ?
Theaet. Certainly we should.
Soc. And is Theodorus a painter ?
Theaet. I never heard that he was.
Soc. Is he a geometrician ?
Theaet. Of course he is, Socrates.
Soc. And is he an astronomer and calculator and musician, and in general an educated man ?
Theaet. I think so.
Soc. If, then, he remarks on a similarity in our persons, either by way of praise or blame, there is no particular reason why we should attend to him.
Theaet. I should say not.
Soc. But if he praises the virtue or wisdom which are the mental endowments of either of us, then he who hears the praises will naturally desire to examine him who is praised : and he again should be willing to exhibit himself.
Theaet. Very true, Socrates.
Soc. Then now is the time, my dear Theaetetus, for me to examine, and for you to exhibit ; since although Theodorus has praised many a citizen and stranger in my hearing, never did I hear him praise any one as he has been praising you.
Theaet. I am glad to hear it, Socrates ; but what if he was only in jest ?
Soc. Nay, Theodorus is not given to jesting ; and I cannot allow you to retract your consent on any such pretence as that. If you do, he will have to swear to his words ; and we are perfectly sure that no one will be found to impugn him. Do not be shy then, but stand to your word.
Theaet. I suppose I must, if you wish it.
Soc. In the first place, I should like to ask what you learn of Theodorus : something of geometry, perhaps ?
Theaet. Yes.
Soc. And astronomy and harmony and calculation ?
Theaet. I do my best.
Soc. Yes, my boy, and so do I : and my desire is to learn of him, or of anybody who seems to understand these things. And I get on pretty well in general ; but there is a little difficulty which I want you and the company to aid me in investigating. Will you answer me a question : “Is not learning growing wiser about that which you learn ?”
Theaet. Of course.
Soc. And by wisdom the wise are wise ?
Theaet. Yes.
Soc. And is that different in any way from knowledge ?
Theaet. What ?
Soc. Wisdom ; are not men wise in that which they know ?
Theaet. Certainly they are.
Soc. Then wisdom and knowledge are the same ?
Theaet. Yes.
Soc. Herein lies the difficulty which I can never solve to my satisfaction — What is knowledge ? Can we answer that question ? What say you ? which of us will speak first ? whoever misses shall sit down, as at a game of ball, and shall be donkey, as the boys say ; he who lasts out his competitors in the game without missing, shall be our king, and shall have the right of putting to us any questions which he pleases. .. Why is there no reply ? I hope, Theodorus, that I am not betrayed into rudeness by my love of conversation ? I only want to make us talk and be friendly and sociable.
Theod. The reverse of rudeness, Socrates : but I would rather that you would ask one of the young fellows ; for the truth is, that I am unused to your game of question and answer, and I am too old to learn ; the young will be more suitable, and they will improve more than I shall, for youth is always able to improve. And so having made a beginning with Theaetetus, I would advise you to go on with him and not let him off.