Demodocus meets Socrates near the
stoa of Zeus, and asks for his advice regarding his son, Theages, who desires "to become wise" (
sophos), something that Demodocus considers dangerous. Socrates suggests that he should speak directly to Theages, who happens to be present, remarking how the boy has a "holy sounding" name (Theages,
θεός+άγω, means “god-guided"). Socrates asks Theages what kind specialty is wisdom exactly, and the boy responds that it's the ability to govern men (123e). Socrates suggests to Theages that the art he is looking for is that of the despot,
tyrant (τύραννος) in the original text (124e), a word that in Ancient Greek meant
autocrat rather than violent oppressor as it does today. Socrates proceeds to tell Theages that this, like all other arts, are learned by associating with those who practice it, which in this case are despots. Theages adds that he does not wish to rule by force like some tyrants do, but by consent (126a), and Socrates, holding to his original position, suggests that someone like
Pericles would be most appropriate. Theages however replies that he has actually heard Socrates say that even
Pericles could not make his student virtuous (which was truly recorded in the
Protagoras dialogue (320a-b)). Finally Theages suggests that, as rumours will have it, Socrates himself might be the best of teachers, if he would have him as his student. Socrates begins by telling Theages of his
daemon, a guiding spirit whose voice he's been hearing since childhood, always telling him what he should
not do, rather than what he should. He continues by giving examples of "prophesies" he has made with the help of this spirit, and must therefore take his warning seriously. Theages suggests that he could start as Socrates' student, and if the daemon appears to disagree, they could terminate his tutelage, otherwise, continue. Socrates agrees. ==References==