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Aristocrat: I would, and do, whenever possible. But things can get quite difficult. I’m sure you can imagine why. Student: Well, what about a nature that is base? Aristocrat: Why, I could use a man like that — for base employ. Chef: Hold on a minute, please. We’re saying that one’s nature is biology, plain blood and flesh? The body, strengths and failings both, determines what one’s nature is — or rather, is exactly what one’s nature is? Aristocrat: I’m not sure how much good it does to think of it like that.

Aristocrat: What if we take a modest case? Suppose someone would understand the point of view of his close friend although it cuts against his grain. Now, is such understanding good although it doesn’t feel so good? Student: It all depends what comes of it, what someone does with it. Some understanding can be good. Some understanding can be bad. Aristocrat: Does whether someone trusts his friend affect the end result? Student: I think it can. But it is possible he’ll trust no more once he has understood.

Student: So does that mean that even though a man has got a democratic soul, a man unlike yourself, you’d still be able to determine what his nature is? Aristocrat: Determining a nature, in most cases, isn’t difficult. Why, nearly everybody does this every day. What’s challenging is finding friends with traits you want. For me, that’s patience, loyalty, composure and some other minor attributes that add some color to the mix. Student: And do those minor qualities include both grace and magnanimity?