The Introduction of Socrates

“This is the Great Library of Alexandria,” replied Jesus.

Aoife wrinkled her brow. “Alexandria?” she repeated. “I thought we were in Memphis.”

“We are,” confirmed Jesus. “But in 10AD Memphis was taken by the Greeks, and renamed Alexandria. The library was founded by Socrates, a famous Greek philosopher.”

“I think I know him. Didn’t he teach Aristotle? Who then taught Plato?”

A chuckle sounded from behind Aoife and Jesus. Aoife whirled around.
“You make me sound like I belong in the bible,” commented Socrates.

Aoife turned accusingly to Jesus. “You said they wouldn’t be able to see us!”

“Most people here cannot. Socrates is not like most people. He is not a god, but he has crossed the line into immortality. He has been alive for more years than I know.”

“You could try a little harder to not make me sound so…old,” said Socrates with a mock shudder. “The white hair is just for show, you know, makes me look all knowledgeable and wise. It’s almost a requirement if you want to be a philosopher.” He Aoife up and down. “So,” he said. “You’re Aoife. Kinda small aren’t you?”

“I’m thirteen,” said Aoife. “How big do you want me to be?”

“Big enough,” said Socrates, mystically.

“Big enough for what?” asked Aoife.

Socrates looked at Jesus. “So you haven’t told her,” he commented.

Jesus looked meaningfully at Socrates. “We’re not even sure yet,” he said. “And I’m still not sure how you know.”

Socrates waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, I have my ways,” he says. “That’s part of what being a philosopher is about. Knowing things that others don’t.”

Jesus sent A Look in Socrates’s direction. “Yes, well,” he said. “Be that as it may, we are not here to discuss how and whether you know things. We’re here so that Aoife can see the Great Library.”

“Of course, of course,” said Socrates. “Right this way.” And he led them to a small door some way to the right of the steps.

“Where are we going?” asked Aoife.

“Why, to the library of course!” replied Socrates.

Aoife was almost running alongside Socrates, panting slightly with the effort. “But isn’t the library up there?” she gestured back towards the steps.

“Well, of course it is,” said Socrates. “Why would I build the steps so people could get to the library if the library wasn’t there? Such silly questions they’re asking these days,” he said as an aside to Jesus.

Aoife was getting slightly impatient now. “What I meant was: if the library is up there, then why are we walking over here?” She tried again.

“Well, then, why didn’t you say so!” remarked Socrates.

Aoife waited a few moments before saying “Well?”

“Well what?” replied Socrates.

Aoife sighed audibly, impatience tinging her words, “If the library is up there, then why are we walking over here?”

“You don’t think I’m going to walk up all those steps do you?” asked Socrates. “And risk a heart attack? Don’t you have any brains, girl?”

Aoife gave up and turned to Jesus. “How are we going to get to the library?” she asked.

“Socrates has always been somewhat…lazy,” he began.

“Hey, I heard that,” interrupted Socrates, but more out of habit than out of real indignation.

“You were meant to,” replied Jesus calmly. “So, when he built the library, he made sure that he had an access point that was far easier to use. That is where we’re going.”

“But why didn’t he just build the library at ground level, if he didn’t want to walk up all those steps?” asked Aoife.

“Why didn’t I? Build the library at ground level?” Socrates spluttered. “What’s the point of having an amazingly incredible building if it’s not going to look impressive? No one’s going to want to go to it if it looks boring and mundane! No! The trick is to make it look really important, then everyone thinks they need to go there. It’s all about the psychology,” he tapped the side of his head knowingly.

“But if there are all those steps,” argued Aoife. “Then no one wants to go because it’s too hard to get to. It’s all about the physical exertion,” she mimicked Socrates.

He looked at her appraisingly. “Well, well,” he commented to Jesus. “Maybe they do have some brains after all.” He stopped before a small dark door. “But enough of that,” he said cheerfully. “We’re here!” and he opened the door.

“Everybody in,” he ordered. Once they had all entered the small, dark room, he reached past them to a door on the other side. He opened it. “Everybody out,” he ordered again. And Aoife stepped into the library.