Throughout the Discourses, Epictetus referred in reverential tones to Socrates. Socrates dedicated his entire life in helping everyone he met to lead a more virtuous life. Socrates lived what he preached up until his last breath. The GORGIAS has the title 'ON RHETORIC; REFUTATIVE'.

Plato produced the GORGIAS as his manifesto towards the time when, at forty years of age, he embarked on his great experiment in philosophic education. The design of attracting the attention of the ordinary man of some culture is evident, first in the choice of the venerable Gorgias-famed all over Greece for his ingenious wit and jingling eloquence-as the figurehead of the piece. Plato fiercely attacks rhetoric, so flourishing and influential in forensic and political debate. Lastly, he proudly renunciates the pomp and vanities of the world while passionately insisting on the claims of truth and right. The surgical unmasking of the foundation of rhetoric is important to read and ponder in our time. The current vogue of government and political spokesmen and leaders is to use rhetoric as Gorgias did. Their basic belief that it is just to use any words that persuade people to agree with them even though there is no foundation in truth or right is exposed by Plato and Socrates. The words of Socrates in GORGIAS may be more Plato's than of Socrates. The lengthy speeches in Gorgias are not in keeping with Socrates' avowed dislike of lengthy speeches. We hear in GORGIAS the unmistakable tone of the teacher who is intent on pure logic: the purview is no longer limited to the ethical outlook of Socrates, but is expanding into the region of metaphysics. Gorgias is an excellent introduction into Plato's teachings and may well lead you into his profound work, REPUBLIC.

GORGIAS is one part of the Loeb Classical Library book named PLATO III LYSIS,SYMPOSIUM,GORGIAS. It is available for around $20. The book was originally published in 1925 and was translated by the eminent scholar, W. R. M. Lamb. A wealthy American named James Loeb began in the early 1900's to commission the leading scholars of ancient Greek and Roman manuscripts to translate into English the classic writings. He had the brilliance to format the clothbound books with the original Greek and Latin writings on the left page with the translated English on the right page. With generous footnotes throughout you get the essence of the original writings. The Greek Classics are all hard bound in green with the Latin works in red. Mr. Loeb donated the Loeb Classical Library to Harvard College which has kept the books in print and has added to the collection.

The books are constructed using traditional high quality workmanship with only the finest acid-free paper and binding materials used. They easily fit in your jacket pocket or purse and will stand up to your repeated readings. By having the original Greek or Latin manuscripts always in front of you, it brings out a natural inquisitiveness and makes you wonder if you have the wherewithal to learn to read them in their original form.