Single Idea 2845

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 5. Aims of Philosophy / a. Philosophy as worldly]

Full Idea

To be constantly asking 'what is the use of it?' is unbecoming to those of great soul, and unworthy of free men.

Gist of Idea

Free and great-souled men do not keep asking "what is the use of it?"

Source

Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1338b01)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Sinclair,T.A. /Saunders,T. [Penguin 1992], p.457


A Reaction

Love this one! It is not just philosophers who keep hearing this question. Pure mathematics, history, literature, even carpentry if you are not going to be a carpenter.