philebus   

Pro. If this is the road, let us take it.

Soc. I wonder whether you would agree with me about the origin of

pleasure and pain.

Pro. What do you mean?

Soc. I mean to say that their natural seat is in the mixed class.

Pro. And would you tell me again, sweet Socrates, which of the

aforesaid classes is the mixed one?

Soc. I will my fine fellow, to the best of my ability.

Pro. Very good.

Soc. Let us then understand the mixed class to be that which we

placed third in the list of four.

Pro. That which followed the infinite and the finite; and in which

you ranked health, and, if I am not mistaken, harmony.

Soc. Capital; and now will you please to give me your best

attention?

Pro. Proceed; I am attending.

Soc. I say that when the harmony in animals is dissolved, there is

also a dissolution of nature and a generation of pain.

Pro. That is very probable.

Soc. And the restoration of harmony and return to nature is the

source of pleasure, if I may be allowed to speak in the fewest and

shortest words about matters of the greatest moment.

Pro. I believe that you are right, Socrates; but will you try to

be a little plainer?

Soc. Do not obvious and every-day phenomena furnish the simplest

illustration?

Pro. What phenomena do you mean?

Soc. Hunger, for example, is a dissolution and a pain.

Pro. True.

Soc. Whereas eating is a replenishment and a pleasure?

Pro. Yes.

Soc. Thirst again is a destruction and a pain, but the effect of