What principle of rival Sophists or anybody else can overcome in such an unequal contest?
Characters there may be more than human, who are exceptions--God may save a man, but not his own strength.

Further, I would have you consider that the hireling Sophist only gives back to the world their own opinions; he is the keeper of the monster, who knows how to flatter or anger him, and observes the meaning of his inarticulate grunts.

Good is what pleases him, evil what he dislikes; truth and beauty are determined only by the taste of the brute.

Such is the Sophist's wisdom, and such is the condition of those who make public opinion the test of truth, whether in art or in morals.

The curse is laid upon them of being and doing what it approves, and when they attempt first principles the failure is ludicrous.