Isocrates, Against the Sophists, George Norlin (Translator), 14

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[14] However, if it is my duty not only to rebuke others, but also to set forth my own views, I think all intelligent people will agree with me that while many of those who have pursued philosophy have remained in private life,¹ others, on the other hand, who have never taken lessons from any one of the sophists have become able orators and statesmen. For ability, whether in speech or in any other activity, is found in those who are well endowed by nature and have been schooled by practical experience.²

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).) — 14 focus

[14] εἰ δὲ δεῖ μὴ κατηγορεῖν τῶν ἄλλων ἀλλὰ καὶ τὴν ἐμαυτοῦ δηλῶσαι διάνοιαν, ἡγοῦμαι πάντας ἄν μοι τοὺς εὖ φρονοῦντας συνειπεῖν ὅτι πολλοὶ μὲν τῶν φιλοσοφησάντων ἰδιῶται διετέλεσαν ὄντες, ἄλλοι δέ τινες οὐδενὶ πώποτε συγγενόμενοι τῶν σοφιστῶν καὶ λέγειν καὶ πολιτεύεσθαι δεινοὶ γεγόνασιν. αἱ μὲν γὰρ δυνάμεις καὶ τῶν λόγων καὶ τῶν ἄλλων ἔργων ἁπάντων ἐν τοῖς εὐφυέσιν ἐγγίγνονται καὶ τοῖς περὶ τὰς ἐμπειρίας γεγυμνασμένοις·

Notes on the current edition

Against the Sophists

1. Isocrates himself.

2. Isocrates insists that the requisites of a good orator are first natural ability, second practical experience, and third formal training. See Isoc. 15.186-188 and General Introd. p. xxvii, Vol. I., L.C.L.

Isocrates Against the Sophists 14

George Norlin (Translator)

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