Thus, then, I reason,[5] Socrates (he answered): The lower animals are
taught obedience by two methods chiefly, partly through being punished
when they make attempts to disobey, partly by experiencing some
kindness when they cheerfully submit. This is the principle at any
rate adopted in the breaking of young horses. The animal obeys its
trainer, and something sweet is sure to follow; or it disobeys, and in
place of something sweet it finds a peck of trouble; and so on, until
it comes at last to yield obedience to the trainer's every wish. Or to
take another instance: Young dogs,[6] however far inferior to man in
thought and language,[7] can still be taught to run on errands and
turn somersaults,[8] and do a host of other clever things, precisely
on this same principle of training. Every time the animal obeys it
gets something or other which it wanted, and every time it misbehaves
it gets a whipping. But when it comes to human beings: in man you have
a creature still more open to persuasion through appeals to reason;[9]
only make it plain to him "it is his interest to obey." Or if they
happen to be slaves,[10] the more ignoble training of wild animals
tamed to the lure will serve to teach obedience. Only gratify their
bellies in the matter of appetite, and you will succeed in winning
much from them.[11] But ambitious, emulous natures feel the spur of
praise,[12] since some natures hunger after praise no less than others
crave for meats and drinks. My practice then is to instruct those whom
I desire to appoint as my bailiffs in the various methods which I have
found myself to be successful in gaining the obedience of my fellows.
To take an instance: There are clothes and shows and so forth, with
which I must provide my workfolk.[13] Well, then, I see to it that
these are not all alike in make;[14] but some will be of better, some
of less good quality: my object being that these articles for use
shall vary with the service of the wearer; the worse man will receive