THE REPUBLIC OF PLATO - Studyplace

I. 348] IS INJUSTICE MORE PROFITABLE 31
that a life of injustice is to be preferred to a life of justice. 'Which
side do you take, Glaucon Where do you think the truth lies
I should say that the just life is the better worth having.
You heard Thrasymachus' catalogue of all the good things in
store for injustice
I did, but I am not convinced.
Shall we try to convert him, then, supposing we can find some
way to prove him wrong
By all means.
We might answer Thrasymachus' case in a set speech of our
own, drawing up a corresponding list of the advantages of justice;
he would then have the right to reply, and we should make our
final rejoinder; but after that we should have to count up and
measure the advantages on each list, and we should need a jury
to decide between us. Whereas, if we go on as before, each securing
the agreement of the other side, we can combine the functions
of advocate and judge. We will take whichever course you prefer.
I prefer the second, said Glaucon.
Come then, Thrasymachus, said i, let us start afresh with our
questions. You say that injustice pays better than justice, when
both are carried to the furthest point
I do, he replied; and I have told you why.
And how would you describe them I suppose you would call
one of them an excellence and the other a defect
Of course.
Justice an excellence, and injustice a defect
Now is that likely, when I am telling you that injustice pays,
and justice does not
Then what do you say
The opposite.
That justice is a defect
No; rather the mark of a good-natured simpleton.
Injustice, then, implies being ill-natured
No; I should call it good policy.
Do you think the unjust are positively superior in character and
intelligence, Thrasymachus
Yes, if they are the sort that can carry injustice to perfection and