The Rivals

I WENT into the School of Dionysius the grammarian; and I there saw the comeliest and finest of our young gentry, accompanied by such as courted their esteem and friendship. Two of these youths happened at that time to be disputing: but what was the subject of their dispute I did not perfectly apprehend. There was reason however to suppose it related either to Anaxagoras or to Oenopides: for they appeared to be describing circles; and by holding their hands in an inclining and oblique position, seemed to be representing, not in play, but with much seriousness, certain inclinations of the pole. Upon which, as I had seated myself next to an admirer of one of the young disputants, I moved him with my elbow to turn his face to me, and then asked him what point it was which engaged those two youths so earnestly in debate; adding, It must certainly be something of great importance, and a matter of fine speculation, that, on which they bestowed so serious an attention.

—What call you great and fine? said he. They are prating about things up in the sky, and trifle away their time in philosophizing.

—This answer of his seemed to me a strange one; and I said, Young man, do you then think it mean and dishonourable for a man to philosophize? or for what other reason do you speak so harshly of what they are employed about?

—On my putting this question to him, another person, who happened to be a rival of his for the esteem of the youths I mentioned, and was therefore seated near us, having heard my questions, with his answers to them, interposed, and said to me, It is unworthy of you, Socrates, to ask the opinion of this man, whether he thinks it mean and dishonourable to philosophize. Know you not him, that he has spent all his time in wrestling, cramming himself, and sleeping? What other answer then can you expect from him than this, that the study of philosophy is dishonourable and base.