The sophists were as a rule men who had traveled widely and seen different forms of government. Both conventions and local laws in the city-states could vary widely. This led the Sophists to raise the question of what was natural and what was socially induced. By doing this, they paved the way for social criticism in the city-state of Athens.
Jostein GaarderBut understanding will always require some effort. You probably wouldn't admire a friend who was good at everything if it cost her no effort.
Jostein GaarderIf just one of [those people] experiences life as a crazy adventure--and I mean that he, or she, experiences this every single day... Then he or she is a joker in a pack of cards.
Jostein GaarderOnly philosophers embark on this perilous expedition to the outermost reaches of language and existence. Some of them fall off, but others cling on desperately and yell at the people nestling deep in the snug softness, stuffing themselves with delicious food and drink. 'Ladies and Gentlemen,' they yell, 'we are floating in space!' But none of the people down there care.
Jostein GaarderI've nothing against eye make-up and lipstick. But the fact is that weโre actually living on a planet in space. For me thatโs an extraordinary thought. Itโs mind-boggling just to think about the existence of space at all. But there are girls who canโt see the universe for eye liner.
Jostein Gaarder