Alcibiades II

"Alcibiades II" by Plato is a dialogue of disputed authenticity, likely composed in the 3rd or 2nd centuries BC. Socrates encounters the ambitious Alcibiades on his way to pray and warns him about the dangers of asking the gods for things without understanding whether they are truly good or harmful. Through questioning, Socrates explores the relationship between knowledge, ignorance, and wisdom, ultimately persuading Alcibiades to postpone his sacrifice until he can better distinguish good from evil.

Alcibiades II, from the public domain. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #1677.