(8) "And if this be so concerning wisdom, {sophia}, what of
{sophrasune}, soundness of soul—sobriety?"
That too, I admit (he answered).
Soc. If this then be so concerning these virtues, (9) what with regard to carefulness and devotion to all that ought to occupy us? Can anything more seriously militate against these than this same incontinence?
(9) Or add, "If this be so concerning not wisdom only, but concerning
temperance and soundness of soul, what," etc.
Nothing that I can think of (he replied).
Soc. And can worse befall a man, think you? Can he be subjected to a more baleful influence than that which induces him to choose what is hurtful in place of what is helpful; which cajoles him to devote himself to the evil and to neglect the good; which forces him, will he nill he, to do what every man in his sober senses would shrink from and avoid?
I can imagine nothing worse (he replied).
Soc. Self-control, it is reasonable to suppose, will be the cause of opposite effects upon mankind to those of its own opposite, the want of self-control?
Euth. It is to be supposed so.
Soc. And this, which is the source of opposite effects to the very worst, will be the very best of things?