meno   

of enquiry: for it will make us idle; and is sweet only to the

sluggard; but the other saying will make us active and inquisitive. In

that confiding, I will gladly enquire with you into the nature of

virtue.

Men. Yes, Socrates; but what do you mean by saying that we do not

learn, and that what we call learning is only a process of

recollection? Can you teach me how this is?

Soc. I told you, Meno, just now that you were a rogue, and now you

ask whether I can teach you, when I am saying that there is no

teaching, but only recollection; and thus you imagine that you will

involve me in a contradiction.

Men. Indeed, Socrates, I protest that I had no such intention. I

only asked the question from habit; but if you can prove to me that

what you say is true, I wish that you would.

Soc. It will be no easy matter, but I will try to please you to

the utmost of my power. Suppose that you call one of your numerous

attendants, that I may demonstrate on him.

Men. Certainly. Come hither, boy.

Soc. He is Greek, and speaks Greek, does he not?

Men. Yes, indeed; he was born in the house.

Soc. Attend now to the questions which I ask him, and observe

whether he learns of me or only remembers.

Men. I will.

Soc. Tell me, boy, do you know that a figure like this is a square?

Boy. I do.

Soc. And you know that a square figure has these four lines equal?

Boy. Certainly.

Soc. And these lines which I have drawn through the middle of the

square are also equal?

Boy. Yes.

Soc. A square may be of any size?

Boy. Certainly.