When corn takes in stuff from the soil, the soil is changed into corn, but also the corn is changed by the soil. So when you read Plato, Plato is translated into your way of thinking, but also you way of thinking is influenced by Plato. It is possible for either of these effects to be over-emphasized to the neglect of the other. The secret of right growth is to maintain the right balance between the old which one has and the new which is asking for admission. To find this balance is not easy, but many wise men say that the first thing to do with a new book, or anything else worth attention, is to surrender oneself to it as completely as possible. I believe accordingly that I can give no better advice to one who meets Plato for the first time...than that you should let him talk to you. Imagine that you have wandered into the Athens of 400 B. C. and have come upon Socrates engaged in talk. Join the crowd. Keep still. Try to catch the drift. Do not pigeonhole Socrates the first day. Get acquainted with him as you do with a living man. You will find it useful without doubt to study Plato's system of thought...But if you suppose that any such outline of doctrines can compass the fullness of Plato, you will not understand this or any philosophy in the spirit. With whatever formal devices you study any master-book, the essential condition of becoming really acquainted with it is that you shall live with it in joyful, informal fellowship.
--William Lowe Bryan and Charlotte Lowe Bryan,
Plato the Teacher
