Welcome to The Big Jewel, home of the Philosopher Kings and other fine low-tar cigarettes. Yes, we're usually in a philosophical mood around here, and why not? When we aren't reading Plato's Republic, you may catch us reading this lesser-known work captured for us by Brad Hooker: The First And Last Time Socrates' Older Brother, Frankios, Participated In A Dialogue By Brad Hooker SOCRATES: What troubles you, dear Glaucon? GLAUCON: I was in the market today buying figs, and an old man in rags asked if I could spare a drachma or two. Even though I could have spared several, I told him I could spare none. I knew if I gave him money, he would buy wine to satiate the very vice responsible for his pitiful condition. It got me thinking about ethics. I wonder, Socrates, was it wrong of me to withhold money from that beggar, even though I knew he would use it to harm himself? SOCRATES: Is it wrong to withhold a merciful death from a wounded horse, Glaucon? GLAUCON: Well...yes, I suppose... FRANKIOS: He asked you about giving charity, Athena. Nobody said anything about a horse. SOCRATES: Yes, I know, Frank -- it's called an analogy. That's what I'm trying to do. Make an analogy. And if you're trying to get a rise out of me by calling me Athena, it won't work... For the full article please visit http://www.thebigjewel.com To unsubscribe from The Big Jewel's Hilarious Weekly Email please send an email with the word UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line to neilpasricha@xxxxxxxxx