Opening Oeconomicus — Xenophon in Plato Scroll…
Continue → · About this text
Xenophon · H. G. Dakyns
[Image: Oeconomicus] I once heard him discuss the subject of estate management in the following manner. “Tell me, Critobulus, is estate management the name of a branch of knowledge, like medicine, smithing and carpentry?” “I think so,” replied Critobulus. “And can we say what the function of estate management is, just as we can say what is the function of each of these arts?” “Well, I suppose that the business of a good estate manager is to manage his own estate well.” “Yes, and in case he were put in charge of another man’s estate, could he not, if he chose, manage it as well as he manages his own? Anyone who understands carpentry can do for another exactly the same work as he does for himself; and so, I presume, can a good estate manager.” “I think so, Socrates.” “Is it possible, then, for one who understands this art, even if he has no property of his own, to earn money by managing …
Editions (plain text / reader):