Averroes' Paraphrase of Plato's Republic

ral order. For it seemed to Plato that there is nothing more ruinous for boys boys [should be kept] from false fables than to be imbued with false fables at such a young age, especially since at that very time they are most prone to conceiving whatever fictions they encounter. Therefore, it is important at that time to ensure they do not hear falsehoods, and that they be guarded from the very beginning of their education, since the beginning of any activity is of primary importance. It must also be guarded against, as Plato says, that they are not exercised in or accustomed to absurd fables. This is more diligent care than if their tender bodies were committed to the snows. Therefore, let us entrust them to nurses immediately, and while they are small, let them be educated according to the time, and soon after, as they grow slightly older, let them be led to sacred buildings and temples dedicated to sacrifices. For base speeches, teeming with lies, cannot lead them to the best end. And Plato indeed mentions in his treatments those things that were in use in his time, and warns that one should not adhere to those very things. We, too, shall follow him in this matter and describe that which is commonly committed among us.

A small decorative drop cap D. Let us say that among such absurd fables, as has been demonstrated in speculative sciences, is also this one, which the common people frequently discuss, namely that God is the cause of both good and evil, when it is manifest that pure and simple goodness does nothing bad at any time, and therefore is not the cause of it.