Sophist – Plato
STRANGER: There is one kind which is produced STRANGER: There is a further distinction, by an instrument, and another in which the cre-Theaetetus, which is worthy of our consideration, ator of the appearance is himself the instrument.
and for a reason which I will tell you.
THEAETETUS: What do you mean?
THEAETETUS: Let me hear.
STRANGER: When any one makes himself appear STRANGER: There are some who imitate, know-like another in his figure or his voice, imitation is ing what they imitate, and some who do not the name for this part of the phantastic art.
know. And what line of distinction can there possibly be greater than that which divides igno-THEAETETUS: Yes.
rance from knowledge?
STRANGER: Let this, then, be named the art of THEAETETUS: There can be no greater.
mimicry, and this the province assigned to it; as for the other division, we are weary and will give STRANGER: Was not the sort of imitation of that up, leaving to some one else the duty of which we spoke just now the imitation of those making the class and giving it a suitable name.
who know? For he who would imitate you would surely know you and your figure?
THEAETETUS: Let us do as you say—assign a sphere to the one and leave the other.
THEAETETUS: Naturally.