Where the proof begins
SocratesThe search for the future by people in their right minds, through birds and other signs, supplies human opinion with understanding and information by means of thought. The ancients called it *oionoistikē*; today’s young people give it a grander sound by changing a letter and call it *oionistikē*. Prophecy inspired by madness is as much more complete and honoured than bird divination, in name and in deed, as madness from the gods is finer than sound sense from human beings: the ancients themselves attest it. There are also the gravest diseases and sufferings, brought upon certain families by ancient offences. Madness arose among them, spoke prophetically and found release for those in need through prayers and service to the gods. By finding purifications and rites, it kept the possessed safe both then and afterwards; for one rightly seized by madness it found freedom from present evils.
A third kind of possession and madness comes from the Muses. It takes hold of a tender, untouched soul, wakes it and stirs it to Bacchic frenzy in song and every other sort of poetry. Adorning the countless deeds of the past, it educates generations to come. But someone who comes to poetry’s door without the Muses’ madness, persuaded that art alone will make a good poet, remains unfinished; the poetry of a merely sober mind is eclipsed by the work of those who are mad.
These are beautiful effects of madness sent by the gods, and I could name more. So let us not fear madness itself, nor let any argument frighten us into choosing the self-controlled man as a friend rather than the one who is stirred. To win its prize, that argument must also show that love is sent by the gods to lover and beloved without benefit. We must prove the opposite: that for the greatest good fortune the gods bestow this madness. Clever people will disbelieve the proof; wise people will trust it. First, then, we must understand the truth about the nature of soul, divine and human alike, by looking at its experiences and actions. Here is how the proof begins.