Dialogue Text

Timaios (Continued) When the movement of the soul undergoes such things or similar events, it encounters entities that are either of the same kind as itself or of a different kind. At that time, the movement, contrary to truth, calls one thing "the same" and another "different," thus becoming erroneous and lacking intelligence. There is no governing movement nor any guiding movement within this process. When sensations from outside are carried in and involve the entire container of the soul, the movements believe they are controlling things when, in fact, they are being controlled. Due to all of these passive influences, the soul, upon its initial attachment to a mortal body, first becomes something lacking intelligence.

Timaios (Continued) However, as the flow that brings growth and nourishment diminishes, the movement returns to stillness, each following its own proper path. As time passes, it becomes increasingly calm. Eventually, when the movements of each ring are arranged in their original form, and those who possess them can correctly distinguish between what is similar and what is different, they attain intelligence.

Timaios (Continued): Furthermore, if accompanied by proper upbringing through education, that person will become completely whole and healthy, avoiding the greatest of illnesses. However, if one neglects this and lives a life like someone with crippled legs, they will remain incomplete and lacking in intelligence, and return to Hades once again.

Timaios (Continued): These things will eventually happen. Regarding the matters currently being discussed, more details must be elaborated upon. Prior to that, concerning how the body was generated in its individual parts and about the soul, what causes and divine arrangements brought them into existence, it is necessary to present a highly probable explanation based on that explanation, and proceed accordingly.