they choose, neither dreading punishment nor hoping for any benefit from God. For how
could they? They affirm that the same things shall always happen; and, further, that I and
you shall again live in like manner, having become neither better men nor worse. But there
are some others,190 who, having supposed the soul to be immortal and immaterial, believe
that though they have committed evil they will not suffer punishment (for that which is
immaterial is insensible), and that the soul, in consequence of its immortality, needs nothing
from God.”
And he, smiling gently, said, “Tell us your opinion of these matters, and what idea you
entertain respecting God, and what your philosophy is.”
190 The Platonists.
521
Chapter I.—Introduction.