Then the one is of the same age with all the others, so that if
the one itself does not contradict its own nature, it will be
neither prior nor posterior to the others, but simultaneous; and
according to this argument the one will be neither older nor younger
than the others, nor the others than the one, but according to the
previous argument the one will be older and younger than the others
and the others than the one.
Certainly.
After this manner then the one is and has become. But as to its
becoming older and younger than the others, and the others than the
one, and neither older. nor younger, what shall we say? Shall we say
as of being so also of becoming, or otherwise?
I cannot answer.
But I can venture to say, that even if one thing were older or
younger than another, it could not become older or younger in a
greater degree than it was at first; for equals added to unequals,
whether to periods of time or to anything else, leave the difference
between them the same as at first.
Of course. Then that which is, cannot become older or younger than
that which is, since the difference of age is always the same; the one
is and has become older and the other younger; but they are no
longer becoming so.
True.
And the one which is does not therefore become either older or
younger than the others which are
No.
But consider whether they may not become older and younger in
another way.
In what way?
Just as the one was proven to be older than the others and the
others than the one.
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