The Timaeus of Plato

90 c] TIMAIO2. 337
find a consistent answer to the question from the following
reflections. As we have often said, three forms .of soul with
threefold functions are implanted in us, and each of these has its
Accordingly we may say as briefly as possible
own
proper motions.
that whichever of these continues in idleness and keeps
its
motions inactive, this must needs become the weakest ;
but that
which is in constant exercise waxes strongest
: wherefore we
must see that they exercise their motions in due proportion.
As to the supreme form of soul that is within us, we must
believe that God has given
it to each of us as a guiding genius
even that which we say, and say truly, dwells in the summit of
our body and raises us from earth towards our celestial affinity,
seeing we are of no earthly, but of :
heavenly growth since to
heaven, whence in the beginning was the birth of our soul, the
diviner part attaches the head or root of us and makes our whole
body upright. Now whoso is busied with appetites or ambitions
and labours hard after these, all the thoughts of his heart must
be altogether mortal ;
and so far as it is possible for him to become
utterly mortal, he falls no whit short of this ;
for this is
what he has been fostering. But he whose heart has been set
on the love of learning and on true wisdom, and has chiefly
exercised this part of himself, this man must without fail have
thoughts that are immortal and divine, if he lay hold upon
subject by Sokrates : Xenophon memora- Danrrtat K TTJS yijs Tpotpriv irjrb r??s (ftvcre&s
bilia I iv u. SeSr}fjuovpyi]/j.^vriv.
13. n]V K(j>a.X-r]v Kal piav i]|xwv]
16. Ka9"