What is fitting in writing
SocratesNo one will gain this without a great deal of work. A sensible person should undertake that work not to speak and act before people, but to speak in ways pleasing to the gods and, as far as possible, to please them in everything he does. For, Tisias, those wiser than we are say that a person with sense should not strive to please his fellow servants, except in passing, but his good and noble masters. So do not be surprised that the road is long: it leads to a great end, not the one you have in mind. Our argument suggests that, if you choose, this path will also serve your own aims best.
PhaedrusThat sounds admirable to me, Socrates, if anyone can manage it.
SocratesBut for one who strives for what is fine, it is fine even to endure whatever befalls him.
PhaedrusCertainly.
SocratesThen we have said enough about art and lack of art in speaking.
PhaedrusYes.
SocratesThe question of what is fitting and unfitting in writing still remains: how is it done well, and how badly? Is that right?
PhaedrusIt is.
SocratesDo you know how, in matters of speech, your actions or words could best please a god?
PhaedrusNot at all. Do you?
SocratesI can tell you what I have heard from those of old; they themselves knew the truth. But if we found it ourselves, would we still care about human opinions?
PhaedrusA funny question. But tell me what you have heard.