Memorabilia

Then it would be better to take up some kind of work at once that will assure you a competence when you get old, and to go to somebody who is better off and wants an assistant, and get a return for your services by acting as his bailiff, helping to get in his crops and looking after his property.

I shouldn’t like to make myself a slave, Socrates.But surely those who control their cities and take charge of public affairs are thought more respectable, not more slavish on that account.

Briefly, Socrates, I have no inclination to expose myself to any man’s censure.But, you see, Eutherus, it is by no means easy to find a post in which one is not liable to censure. Whatever one does, it is difficult to avoid mistakes, and it is difficult to escape unfair criticism even if one makes no mistakes. I wonder if you find it easy to avoid complaints entirely even from your present employers.

You should try, therefore, to have no truck with grumblers and to attach yourself to considerate masters; to undertake such duties as you can perform and beware of any that are too much for you, and, whatever you do, to give of your best and put your heart into the business. In this way, I think, you are most likely to escape censure, find relief from your difficulties, live in ease and security, and obtain an ample competence for old age.

I remember that he once heard Criton say that life at Athens was difficult for a man who wanted to mind his own business. At this moment, Criton added, actions are pending against me not because I have done the plaintiffs an injury, but because they think that I would sooner pay than have trouble.

Tell me, Criton, said Socrates, do you keep dogs to fend the wolves from your sheep?Certainly, replied Criton, because it pays me better to keep them.Then why not keep a man who may be able and willing to fend off the attempts to injure you?I would gladly do so were I not afraid that he might turn on me.