 I have a question for you Socrates. Can goodness be taught, or do we acquire it through practice? Or if humans become good neither by teaching nor by practice, then perhaps it comes to us by nature, or in some other way. Me know, there was a time when people from Thessaly were famous among the Greeks, only for riches and horse riding. Now, if I'm not mistaken, you are equally famous for wisdom, especially at Larissa, the native city of your friend Aristipus. Gorgias is responsible for this. When Gorgias went there, the best young minds fell in love with his wisdom, including your lover Aristipus and the other leaders of Thessaly. He taught you the habit of answering questions in the grand and bold style of those who know. This is the style in which Gorgias answers all questions. Any Greek may ask him anything. My dear me know, things are quite different here in Athens. Wisdom is a scarce commodity. It seems to have relocated from us to you. I'm sure that if you were to ask the Athenians whether goodness is natural or acquired, they would laugh in your face. They would probably say, Stranger, you have far too good an opinion of me. If I were inspired, I might answer your question. But I don't even know the meaning of goodness, much less whether or not it is acquired by teaching. Me know, I live in this impoverished land and I am as poor as the rest of its citizens. I confess with shame that I know nothing about goodness. So if I don't know what it is, how can I know its qualities? If I knew nothing at all about Me know, how could I tell whether he was handsome, rich and noble or the opposite of these qualities? Do you think I could? Of course not. But Socrates, are you serious when you say you don't know the meaning of goodness? Do you want me to report that news when I go back home? My dear Me know, you can tell them that and you can also say that in my opinion I've never known of anyone else who did. Didn't you meet Gorgias when he was here in Athens? Yes, I did. And don't you think that he knew? I don't have a good memory Me know so I can't tell what I thought of him at the time. I suppose he did know and that you know what he said. Remind me of how he put it. Or maybe you would rather tell me your own view. I suspect that you and he agree. We do. Well, he isn't here so let's forget about him. Me know, please be so kind as to tell me what you think goodness. Sample complete. Ready to continue?