Meno, second part | Page 5

to run your
household, Meno?

Meno: Surely I would, Socrates, if they were only for hire, but, as you
well know, they are a secret lot, and hire to no one.
Socrates: Well, if I could get you one, perhaps one of the best of them,
in fact the leader of the group that solved the square root of two, would
you not hire him, and at high wages?
Meno: Certainly, Socrates. I'd be a fool not to.
Socrates: And you would put him in charge of your house.
Meno: And all my lands, too, Socrates.
Socrates: Possibly. Then I would like to propose, that if this boy should
solve the proof of the square root of two being irrational, in the next
few hours of our discussion, that he be given wages equal to those due
to your most highly placed servant for ten years of service, as he shall
perform ten years service for you in the next few hours, should he
succeed.
Meno: That sounds quite fair, Socrates, I like your logic.
Socrates: (the boy tugs his tunic, to complain that he wants his freedom,
not a mere bucket of gold) Hush, boy, did you not promise to hold your
tongue?
Boy: Yes, Socrates, but . . . .
Socrates: (turning to Meno) And, of course, with the monetary rewards
for such a position, go all the rest of it.
Meno: Of course, Socrates. I never thought to cheat you.
Socrates: I know that, friend Meno, but I merely ask for the boy's sake,
who is not used to hearing about high finance and the powers and rank
which accompany such things.
Meno: Of course, Socrates. Shall I tell the boy what he shall receive?
Socrates: You are very kind to do so, my friend Meno.
Meno: (turns to the boy) You are aware that a servant may not own the
amount of gold I would have to give you, should you win the day?
Boy: Yes, sir.
Meno: Therefore, I would have to give to you the freedom to own the
money, before I could give you the money, would I not?
Boy: Yes, sir.
Meno: And in giving you freedom, I would be remiss if I did not give
you a job and a coming out party of equal position with your wealth,
would I not?
Boy: I can't really say, sir, though I suppose so.

Meno: You suppose correctly. I will feed you for a week of partying,
and dress you in the finest garments, while you are introduced to the
finest ladies and gentlemen of Athens, from whom you are free to
select for your interests as friends, business partners, social
acquaintances, connections, and perhaps even a wife, should you find
someone you like for that. Do you now understand that there is nothing
I would leave out that you would have to ask for, or that if you did have
to ask, I would give it immediately, and ask your forgiveness for my
error?
Boy: It is hard to understand, but I take your word.
Socrates: Now don't let this all go to your head, boy. This is something
you could have figured out for yourself, if you had applied your mind
to it as you did to squares the other day. Can you do as well, today?
Boy: I should think and hope so, friend Socrates, for I see you are
indeed my friend, and I should hope I am more capable today, for
having learned some the other day.
Socrates: We shall see, boy. Let us on to the test. Now you remember
the squares we dealt with the other day.
Boy: Yes, Socrates.
Socrates: And the one particular square on the diagonal we made,
whose area was two, do you remember that one?
Boy: Yes, Socrates.
Socrates: And you remember that the length of the side of a square,
when multiplied by itself, yields the area of the square.
Boy: Everyone at school knows that, Socrates.
Socrates: Well, maybe. However, it is about that side, which when
multiplied time itself yields an area of two, that I would like to speak
further today. How is that with you?
Boy: That is fine, Socrates. I remember that line, and I sort of liked it
the best, if you know what I mean.
Socrates: Good, then we should have a great time. Do you know how
long that line is, boy?
Boy: Well, I know that you both thought it wise when I said it was of a
length which when made a square of, yielded a square with an area of
two, so I suppose I should answer that way.
Socrates: And a good answer it is, too. We are going to make it an even
better answer as we proceed.

Boy: Good.