Socrates, reflecting on the previous day's discussion of political philosophy, did not intend for the ideal state depicted there to remain a static concept. Just as one desires to see beautiful creatures move in ways that are appropriate for their bodies, he wished to hear stories about this state facing real-world challenges and demonstrating its strength through education.

In response to that request, Critias began to recount an ancient story passed down from Solon, a "strange but true" tale. Here, the thread of tradition leading to forgotten achievements of Athens is handed down from Solon, Critias' grandfather, and finally to young Critias.

Dialogue Text

Socrates: Now, let us turn to the country we have just discussed, and listen to what thoughts I hold about it. These thoughts might be something like this: Suppose someone sees a beautiful creature. Whether it is depicted in a painting or is a living being that remains still, eventually, that person will likely desire to see it move and engage in some activity appropriate for its body.

Socrates (Continued). Now, regarding the country I have been discussing, my feelings towards it are the same. I would be happy to hear someone eloquently describe the various trials that a single nation faces, and how this nation competes with other nations. I want to hear about their actions, both in war and in communication with other countries, demonstrating behavior appropriate for their education and upbringing. Therefore, Critias, Hermocrates,

Socrates (Continued). I believe that I am not in a position to adequately praise these people or this country. As for myself, there is nothing strange about it. However, I have the same opinion of both ancient and modern poets. It is not that I despise the profession of poet. Rather, it is clear to everyone that those who make their living by imitation most easily and skillfully imitate the environment in which they were raised. On the other hand,

Socrates (Continued) It is difficult to skillfully imitate through actions, and even more difficult to imitate through words. Furthermore, I believe that the Sophists are a group of people who are highly knowledgeable in many areas, including eloquent speeches. However, they travel from country to country and have never established their own homes. Therefore, I am concerned that they may be missing the mark when it comes to understanding philosophers and politicians – those individuals who engage with others through actions and words, especially during wars or conflicts. What remains are people like yourselves.

Socrates (Continued): You all possess qualities that make you both philosophers and politicians, shaped by both nature and upbringing. Timaios here is from Syracuse, a city-state in Italy known for its excellent governance, and he is not inferior to anyone there in terms of wealth or lineage. He holds the most important offices and honors in that country, and furthermore, as far as I can see, he has reached the pinnacle in every field of philosophy. And we all know that Critias is no amateur when it comes to any of the things he is talking about. And many people testify that Hermocrates possesses a nature and upbringing sufficient for all these endeavors.

Socrates (Continued) You may believe me. Therefore, when you asked me yesterday to speak about the state of affairs in our country, I gladly accepted your request. The continuation of that story, if you are willing to hear it, is something that only you can understand better than anyone else. In fact, among the people living today, only you are capable of properly representing this country and fulfilling its role in war. Therefore, after finishing the task assigned to me, I now ask you to do what I have just said, but in reverse. You should discuss it together,

Socrates (Continued) Today, you agreed to return the hospitality in words. Therefore, I am now preparing to receive that hospitality, and I am here ready to accept it more than anyone else.

Helmoteles: Yes, Socrates. As Timaios mentioned earlier, we have no intention of lacking enthusiasm, and there is not a single excuse for us to avoid doing this. In fact, yesterday, as soon as we left here and arrived at Critias's room where we are staying, or even before that, on the way, we were already discussing exactly this matter.

Helmoscrates (Continued). So, Critias brought forth a story that he had heard from ancient times to us. Critias, please tell the same story to Socrates as well. Then, he will be able to judge with us whether or not this story is suitable for the task.

Critias: Let's do it. If Timaios, our third companion, also agrees.

Timaeus: Of course, I agree.

Critias: Socrates, please listen to a very strange but completely true story. Among the Seven Wise Men, the most wise was...

Critias (Continued). This is what Solon said. Solon was a relative of our great-grandfather, Drapetis, and also a very close friend. He himself mentioned this many times in his poems. And Solon told our grandfather, Critias, the following story, which that old man then recounted to us. In the past, there were many great and remarkable achievements in Athens, but they have been forgotten over time and through the death of people. Among these, there was one achievement above all others,

Critias (continued). Now, if we recall and speak of it, we can fulfill our obligation to you, and at the same time, in this festival, properly and truthfully praise the goddess with hymns.

Socrates: Very well. But Critias, what exactly is that accomplishment? Not just a mere story, but something that was said to have actually been accomplished by Athens in the past, according to what Solon heard.

Critias: Let's talk about it. What I heard was an old story passed down from older people. At that time, Critias' age, according to his own account, was almost...

Critias (Continued). At the age of ninety, I was about ten years old. It was then that in our region, it was the day of the Coureotis festival of Apatturia. The children's events that are always held at this festival were also being held that time, and my father had established a prize for poetry recitation. Many poems by many poets were recited, but since Solon's poem was still new at that time, many of the children sang it. Then, one person who belonged to the same phratry, whether he truly thought so or whether he was trying to please Critias, said that Solon was not only the wisest of all people in every other way, but...

Critias (Continued) He said that, among all poets, Critias was the most noble. The old man – I remember it very well – became extremely happy and smiled as he said:

"Indeed, Amynandros. If Solon had treated poetry as a secondary pursuit and dedicated himself to it like other poets, and if he had completed the stories he brought back from Egypt, furthermore, due to the internal conflicts and various misfortunes he witnessed upon his return, he was forced..."

Critias (continued). If you had not disregarded that story, in my opinion, neither Hesiodus nor Homer, nor any other poet, would have achieved greater fame than he did."

"Critias, what kind of story was it?" the person asked.

"It is about the most great and, of course, the most famous achievement among all achievements," the old man replied. "This country actually accomplished it, but as time passed and those who achieved it perished, the story has not been passed down to this day."

"Then, please tell me from the beginning. What happened and how? Also, who did Solon hear the true story from?" that person said.