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But the question is not quite so easy when we proceed to ask

whether these principles are three or one; whether, that is to

say, we learn with one part of our nature, are angry with

another, and with a third part desire the satisfaction of our

natural appetites; or whether the whole soul comes into play in

each sort of action-to determine that is the difficulty.

Yes, he said; there lies the difficulty.

Then let us now try and determine whether they are the same or

different.

How can we? he asked.

I replied as follows: The same thing clearly cannot act or be

acted upon in the same part or in relation to the same thing at

the same time, in contrary ways; and therefore whenever this

contradiction occurs in things apparently the same, we know that

they are really not the same, but different.

Good.

For example, I said, can the same thing be at rest and in motion

at the same time in the same part?

Impossible.