Philosophers did not philosophize for free

A young man was introduced to Aristippus, to become his pupil.

“I shall expect ten pounds,” said the philosopher.

“Ten pounds,” said the father; “why, I could buy a slave for that!”

“Then buy one,” said Aristippus, “and you will have two slaves in your household.”  (Diogenes Laertius. ii. 8, 72.)

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One thought on “Philosophers did not philosophize for free

  1. Plato famously criticised sophists for taking money to educate young men in the art of rhetoric. Socrates never took money.

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