Think of all this and ask yourself whether the world is more likely to be a believer in the unity of the idea, or in the multiplicity of phenomena.

And the world if not a believer in the idea cannot be a philosopher, and must therefore be a persecutor of philosophers.

There is another evil:--the world does not like to lose the gifted nature, and so they flatter the young (Alcibiades) into a magnificent opinion of his own capacity; the tall, proper youth begins to expand, and is dreaming of kingdoms and empires.

If at this instant a friend whispers to him, 'Now the gods lighten thee; thou art a great fool' and must be educated--do you think that he will listen?
Or suppose a better sort of man who is attracted towards philosophy, will they not make Herculean efforts to spoil and corrupt him?
Are we not right in saying that the love of knowledge, no less than riches, may divert him?
Men of this class (Critias) often become politicians--they are the authors of great mischief in states, and sometimes also of great good.

And thus philosophy is deserted by her natural protectors, and others enter in and dishonour her.