Isocrates, Against the Sophists, George Norlin (Translator), 13

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[13] But the greatest proof of the difference between these two arts is that oratory is good only if it has the qualities of fitness for the occasion,¹ propriety of style, and originality of treatment, while in the case of letters there is no such need whatsoever. So that those who make use of such analogies ought more justly to pay out than to accept fees, since they attempt to teach others when they are themselves in great need of instruction.

Against the Sophists. Isocrates. George Norlin (Translator). Cambridge, MA. 1928.

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Current edition Perseus

Against the Sophists (English) (Isocrates, Vol 2. Norlin, George, translator. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1929 (printing).)

Editions (1)

Κατὰ τῶν σοφιστῶν Perseus (Isocrates, Vol 2. Norlin, George, editor. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1929 (printing).) — 13 focus

[13] μέγιστον δὲ σημεῖον τῆς ἀνομοιότητος αὐτῶν· τοὺς μὲν γὰρ λόγους οὐχ οἷόν τε καλῶς ἔχειν, ἢν μὴ τῶν καιρῶν καὶ τοῦ πρεπόντως καὶ τοῦ καινῶς ἔχειν μετάσχωσιν, τοῖς δὲ γράμμασιν οὐδενὸς τούτων προσεδέησεν. ὥσθʼ οἱ χρώμενοι τοῖς τοιούτοις παραδείγμασι πολὺ ἂν δικαιότερον ἀποτίνοιεν ἢ λαμβάνοιεν ἀργύριον, ὅτι πολλῆς ἐπιμελείας αὐτοὶ δεόμενοι παιδεύειν τοὺς ἄλλους ἐπιχειροῦσιν.

Notes on the current edition

Against the Sophists

1. A fundamental requisite. See Isoc. 4.9 ; Isoc. 10.11 .

Isocrates Against the Sophists 13

George Norlin (Translator)

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