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When we see a woman bartering beauty for gold, we look upon such a one as no other than a common prostitute; but she who rewards the passion of some worthy youth with it, gains at the same time our approbation and esteem. It is the very same with philosophy: he who sets it forth for public sale, to be disposed of to the highest bidder, is a sophist, a public prostitute.

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Philosophy

More quotes by Xenophon

Yet is it more honourable, and just, and upright, and pleasing, to treasure in the memory good acts than bad.

Anabasis (-370)

Wherever magistrates were appointed from among those who complied with the injunctions of the laws, he (Socrates) considered the government to be an aristocracy.

The most pleasing of all sounds that of your own praise.

Those who take money are bound to carry out the work for which they get a fee, while I, because I refuse to take it, am not obliged to talk with anyone against my will.

They live best, I think, who strive best to become as good as possible: and the pleasantest life is theirs who are conscious that they are growing in goodness.

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Attribution

Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Xenophon (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.