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 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 GaarderThe soul yearns to fly home on the wings of love to the world of ideas. It longs to be freed from the chains of the body.
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 GaarderA Russian cosmonaut and a Russian brain surgeon were once discussing Christianity. The brain surgeon was a Christian, but the cosmonaut wasnโt. โI have been in outer space many times,โ bragged the cosmonaut, โbut I have never seen any angels.โ The brain surgeon stared in amazement, but then he said, โAnd I have operated on many intelligent brains, but I have never seen a single thought.
Jostein Gaarder