[572d]
being drawn both
ways he settles down in a compromise1 between the two tendencies, and indulging and enjoying each in
moderation, forsooth,2 as he supposes,3 he lives what he deems a life that is
neither illiberal nor lawless, now transformed from an oligarch to a
democrat.” “That was and is our belief about this
type.” “Assume,4 then, again,” said I,
“that such a man when he is older has a son bred in turn5 in his ways of life.” “I so
assume.” “And suppose the experience of his father
1 εἰς μέσον: cf. p. 249, note f.
2 Ironical.δή. See p. 300, note a. Cf. modern satire on “moderate” drinking and “moderate” preparedness.
3 ὡς ᾤετο is another ironical formula like ἵνα δή, ὡς ἄρα, etc.
4 θές: Cf. Theaet. 191 C, Phileb. 33 D.
5 This is the αὖ of the succession of the generations. Cf. p. 247, note f.
Plato. Plato in Twelve Volumes, Vols. 5 & 6 translated by Paul Shorey. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1969.
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