The Timaeus of Plato

D] TIMAIO2. 85
his business to understand universal nature, should speak first,
beginning with the origin of the universe, and should end with
the birth of mankind : and that I should follow, receiving from
him mankind brought to being in theory, and from you a portion
of them exceptionally cultivated ;
and that in accordance
with Solon's laws, no less than with his statement, I should
introduce them before our tribunal and make them our fellowcitizens,
as being the Athenians of bygone days, whom the
declaration of the sacred writings has delivered from their
oblivion ;
and thenceforward we shall speak as if their claim to
Athenian citizenship were fairly established.
Sokrates. Ample and splendid indeed, it seems, will be the
banquet of discourse which I am to receive in my turn. So it
would seem to be your business to speak next, Timaeus, after
you have duly invoked the gods.
V. Timaeus. Yes indeed, Sokrates, that is what all do who
possess the slightest share of judgment ;
at the outset of every
work, great or small, they always call upon a god : and seeing
that we are going to enter on a discussion of the universe, how
far it is created or perchance uncreate, unless we are altogether
beside ourselves, we must needs invoke the gods and goddesses
and pray above all that our discourse may be pleasing in their
sight, next that it may be consistent with itself. Let it suffice
then thus to have called upon the gods but we must
;
call upon
ourselves likewise to conduct the discourse in such a way that
you will most readily comprehend me, and I shall most fully carry
out my intentions in expounding the subject that is before us.
First then in my judgment this distinction must be made.
is not fair. The universe is most fair, The first eight chapters
of Timaeus'
therefore it was modelled on the eternal. discourse, extending to 40 D, deal with
And in dealing with the eternal type and the universe as a whole; after which he
the created image, we must remember proceeds to its several portions,
that the words we use of each must 11. TO 8' i]|ircpov irapaKXryrfov] i e.
correspond to their several natures those after : appealing to the gods for aid, we
which deal with the eternally existent must appeal to ourselves to put forth
must be so far as possible sure and true all our energies
: heaven helps those who
and incontrovertible ;
while with those help themselves.
which treat of the likeness we must be 22. fl Siavoovjiai] Stallbaum proposes
content if they arc likely. To this So- to read a.
krates assents.