Laches

Laches is a philosophical dialogue written by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. It is a discussion between two prominent Athenians, Laches and Nicias, and Socrates about the nature of courage. The dialogue begins with Laches and Nicias seeking advice from Socrates on how to educate their sons in the virtues of courage and bravery. Socrates then proceeds to question their understanding of courage and challenges their beliefs about what it means to be courageous. Throughout the dialogue, Socrates engages in a series of arguments with Laches and Nicias, using examples from history and everyday life to illustrate his points. He argues that true courage involves knowledge and wisdom, and that it cannot be reduced to mere physical bravery or fearlessness. The dialogue ends without a clear resolution, leaving the reader to contemplate the nature of courage and the complexities of human virtue. Laches is an important work of ancient philosophy that continues to be studied and debated by scholars today.Indeed, Lysimachus, you ought not to give him up; for I can assure you that I have seen him maintaining, not only his father’s, but also his country’s name. He was my companion in the retreat from Delium, and I can tell you that if others had only been like him, the honour of our country would have been upheld, and the great defeat would never have occurred.