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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from The Sportsman by Xenophon: the young might be trained to virtue, I see not a vestige. Speaking as
a plain man, I know that to be taught what is good by one's own nature
is best of all,[6] and next best to learn of those who really do know
some good thing rather than of those who have an art to deceive. It
may well be that I fail to express myself in subtle language,[7] nor
do I pretend to aim at subtlety; what I do aim at is to express
rightly-conceived thoughts such as may serve the need of those who
have been nobly disciplined in virtue; for it is not words and names
that give instruction, but thoughts and sentiments worthy the name.
[1] Cf. Isocr. "Against the Sophists"; "Antidosis"; "Hel. Encom.";
Plat. "Sophist."
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