Socrates: Then a name is an instrument of teaching and of distinguishing natures, as the shuttle is of distinguishing the threads of the web.
Hermogenes: Yes.
Socrates: And the shuttle is the instrument of the weaver?
Hermogenes: Assuredly.
Socrates: Then the weaver will use the shuttle well—and well means like a weaver? and the teacher will use the name well—and well means like a teacher?
Hermogenes: Yes.
Socrates: And when the weaver uses the shuttle, whose work will he be using well?
Hermogenes: That of the carpenter.
Socrates: And is every man a carpenter, or the skilled only?
Hermogenes: Only the skilled.
Socrates: And when the piercer uses the awl, whose work will he be using well?
Hermogenes: That of the smith.
Socrates: And is every man a smith, or only the skilled?
Hermogenes: The skilled only.
Socrates: And when the teacher uses the name, whose work will he be using?
Hermogenes: There again I am puzzled.
Socrates: Cannot you at least say who gives us the names which we use?
Hermogenes: Indeed I cannot.
Socrates: Does not the law seem to you to give us them?
Hermogenes: Yes, I suppose so.
Socrates: Then the teacher, when he gives us a name, uses the work of the legislator?
Hermogenes: I agree.
Socrates: And is every man a legislator, or the skilled only?
Hermogenes: The skilled only.
Socrates: Then, Hermogenes, not every man is able to give a name, but only a maker of names; and this is the legislator, who of all skilled artisans in the world is the rarest.