Meno (99)

Soc.

And that there are only two things—

true opinion and knowledge—that guide rightly and a man guides rightly if he have these; for things that come about by chance do not occur through human guidance; but where a man is a guide to what is right we find these two things—true opinion and knowledge.

Men.

I agree.

Soc.

Well now, since virtue is not taught, we no longer take it to be knowledge?

Men.

Apparently not.

Soc.

So of two good and useful things one has been rejected: knowledge cannot be our guide in political conduct.

Men.

I think not.

Soc.

Therefore it was not by any wisdom, nor because they were wise, that the sort of men we spoke of controlled their states—Themistocles and the rest of them, to whom our friend Anytus was referring a moment ago. For this reason it was that they were unable to make others like unto themselves—because their qualities were not an effect of knowledge.

Men.

The case is probably as you say, Socrates.

Soc.

And if not by knowledge, as the only alternative it must have been by good opinion.

This is the means which statesmen employ for their direction of states, and they have nothing more to do with wisdom than soothsayers and diviners; for these people utter many a true thing when inspired, but have no knowledge of anything they say.

Men.

I daresay that is so.

Soc.

And may we, Meno, rightly call those men divine who, having no understanding, yet succeed in many a great deed and word?

Men.

Certainly.

Soc.

Then we shall be right in calling those divine of whom

we spoke just now as soothsayers and prophets and all of the poetic turn; and especially we can say of the statesmen that they are divine and enraptured, as being inspired and possessed of God when they succeed in speaking many great things, while knowing nought of what they say.

Men.

Certainly.

Soc.

And the women too, I presume, Meno, call good men divine; and the Spartans, when they eulogize a good man, say—He is a divine person.

Men.

And to all appearance, Socrates, they are right; though perhaps our friend Anytus may be annoyed at your statement.