chiefly occupied in fighting and exercising rule. Thus arises timocracy,
which is intermediate between aristocracy and oligarchy.
The new form of government resembles the ideal in obedience to rulers and
contempt for trade, and having common meals, and in devotion to warlike
and gymnastic exercises. But corruption has crept into philosophy, and
simplicity of character, which was once her note, is now looked for only
in the military class. *548* Arts of war begin to prevail over arts of
peace; the ruler is no longer a {cxviii} philosopher; as in oligarchies,
there springs up among them an extravagant love of gain--get another man's
and save your own, is their principle; and they have dark places in which
they hoard their gold and silver, for the use of their women and others;
they take their pleasures by stealth, like boys who are running away from
their father--the law; and their education is not inspired by the Muse,
but imposed by the strong arm of power. The leading characteristic of this
State is party spirit and ambition.
And what manner of man answers to such a State? 'In love of contention,'
replied Adeimantus, 'he will be like our friend Glaucon.' In that respect,
perhaps, but not in others. He is self-asserting and ill-educated, *549*
yet fond of literature, although not himself a speaker,--fierce with
slaves, but obedient to rulers, a lover of power and honour, which he
hopes to gain by deeds of arms,--fond, too, of gymnastics and of hunting.
As he advances in years he grows avaricious, for he has lost philosophy,
which is the only saviour and guardian of men. His origin is as
follows:--His father is a good man dwelling in an ill-ordered State, who
has retired from politics in order that he may lead a quiet life. His
mother is angry at her loss of precedence among other women; she is
disgusted at her husband's selfishness, and she expatiates to her son on
the unmanliness and indolence of his father. The old family servant takes
up the tale, and says to the youth:--'When you grow up you must be more of
a man than your father.' *550* All the world are agreed that he who minds
his own business is an idiot, while a busybody is highly honoured and
esteemed. The young man compares this spirit with his father's words and
ways, and as he is naturally well disposed, although he has suffered from
evil influences, he rests at a middle point and becomes ambitious and a
lover of honour.