As to the rest, thou wert unshaken in the belief that they were ruled by reason.

Yet I marvel exceedingly how, in spite of thy firm hold on this opinion, thou art fallen into sickness.

But let us probe more deeply: something or other is missing, I think.

Now, tell me, since thou doubtest not that God governs the world, dost thou perceive by what means He rules it ?' 'I scarcely understand what thou meanest,' I said, 'much less can I answer thy question.' 'Did I not say truly that something is missing, whereby, as through a breach in the ramparts, disease hath crept in to disturb thy mind?
But, tell me, dost thou remember the universal end towards which the aim of all nature is directed ?' 'I once heard,' said I, 'but sorrow hath dulled my recollection.' 'And yet thou knowest whence all things have proceeded.' 'Yes, that I know,' said I, 'and have answered that it is from God.' 'Yet how is it possible that thou knowest not what is the end of existence, when thou dost understand its source and origin?
However, these disturbances of mind have force to shake a man's position, but cannot pluck him up and root him altogether out of himself.

But answer this also, I pray thee: rememberest thou that thou art a man ?' 'How should I not ?' said I.
'Then, canst thou say what man is ?' 'Is this thy question: Whether I know myself for a being endowed with reason and subject to death?
Surely I do acknowledge myself such.' Then she: 'Dost know nothing else that thou art ?' 'Nothing.' 'Now,' said she, 'I know another cause of thy disease, one, too, of grave moment.