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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from The Symposium by Xenophon: I have next to show that the society of him whose love is of the body,
not the soul, is in itself illiberal. The true educator who trains
another in the path of virtue, who will teach us excellence, whether
of speech or conduct,[45] may well be honoured, even as Cheiron and
Phoenix[46] were honoured by Achilles. But what can he expect, who
stretches forth an eager hand to clutch the body, save to be
treated[47] as a beggar? That is his character; for ever cringing and
petitioning a kiss, or some other soft caress,[48] this sorry suitor
dogs his victims.
[45] Phoenix addresses Achilles, "Il." ix. 443:
{muthon te reter' emenai, prektera te ergon}
The Symposium |
