(1999) The Plato Papers by Peter Ackroyd

Author:Peter Ackroyd [Ackroyd, Peter]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2011-05-22T00:54:25+00:00

25

Plato_: There can be no doubt. Can there?

Soul_: It’s no good asking me. I have nothing to do with knowledge, certain or uncertain. I am all love and intuition.

Plato_: If you love me, then you will tell me. Can I be sure of what I say? Sometimes I feel that it is all pretence, and that I should take doubt like a dagger and plunge it into me. When I am wounded, then I might speak the truth.

Soul_: Ouch.

Plato_: You think I am being extravagant?

Soul_: I take the long view in such matters. Whatever is good for you is right.

Plato_: But surely you understand? You are the one who gave me my restlessness. My nervous fear.

Soul_: Why should I be blamed? You are what you are. I am part of you, I admit it, but I really cannot bear all the responsibility.

Plato_: So you are ashamed of me.

Soul_: Not at all. I do not always enjoy your arguments, but I find them necessary. When you give expression to your thoughts, you help to define me. Is that selfish?

Plato_: We were taught that the pattern of birds in flight was also an image of their soul. I suppose that you and I bear the same relationship.

Soul_: And we, too, are part of the soul of the world. Then beyond that – well, it becomes more mysterious.

Plato_: So you will never leave me?

Soul_: A body without a soul is an impossibility, although I admit that there are times when I long to ‘sup above’. But of course I would never deprive you of your – how shall I put it? – your spirit.

Plato_: Thank you. You lend me courage.

Soul_: It is not a loan. It is a gift. You may need it soon.

Plato_: You intrigue me.

Soul_: Hush. Look into your heart now and speak to the citizens about the wonders of creation.

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