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Do Not Seek Immediate Utility In Everything

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Summary

In this article, Quintus Curtius discusses the importance of not seeking utility in every aspect of education and training. Curtius uses Aristotle's Politics as a starting point, and argues that while utility is important, it should not be the sole focus of education and training. Curtius uses examples such as Diodorus Siculus to demonstrate how one-dimensional thinking can lead to tragedy, and emphasizes the importance of studying philosophy and other civilizing influences. He ultimately argues that nobility should be the focus of education, rather than animalism, so that an individual can become a better person and ultimately be successful in life.

Q&As

What did Aristotle say about the importance of education and training?
Aristotle said that there is an aspect of education which ought to be taught to our sons not because it is useful or necessary, but because it frees the spirit and ennobles the soul. He also said that some of the useful things ought to be studied by the young not only because of their utility, such as reading and writing, but also because they can lead to the study of other things.

What kind of person seeks immediate utility in everything?
Someone who seeks immediate utility in everything is someone who demands an immediate and cognizable “usefulness” for every subject, every axion, every lesson, and every morsel of wisdom. They remain unable to project their minds and imaginations to any sort of higher, nobler plane, to survey the field of life from a better vantage point; they remain imprisoned in the world of the now and the immediate present.

What example does the article use to illustrate the consequences of one-dimensionality?
The article uses the example of Dioxippos to illustrate the consequences of one-dimensionality. Dioxippos was supremely competent in athletic ability, but lacked a certain philosophical depth, a wisdom in social interactions, that would have enabled him to make sense of what was happening in Alexander’s court. This lack of maturity and depth led to his undoing.

What did Diodorus Siculus say about the duel between Koragos and Dioxippos?
Diodorus Siculus said that Koragos looked like Ares, inspiring terror through his stature and the brilliance of his weapons, while Dioxippos resembled Hercules in his strength and athletic training, and even more so because he carried a club. Dioxippos eventually won the duel, but Alexander was displeased that a Macedonian had been bettered by him.

What is the importance of studying moral philosophy?
The importance of studying moral philosophy is that it can give a person the wisdom and psychological armament to deal with difficult situations. It can also help a person to shrug off personal attacks, while remaining focused on their purposes and missions.

AI Comments

👍 This article offers a great insight into the importance of having a broad education and understanding of the world. It emphasizes how seeking immediate utility in everything can lead to stunted emotional growth and can be detrimental.

👎 The author does not provide any tangible advice on how to learn and grow beyond the one-dimensional mindset. The article is too focused on the negative implications of seeking immediate utility in everything and does not provide any practical guidance.

AI Discussion

Me: It's about the importance of not seeking immediate utility in all aspects of education. The author uses examples from Aristotle, Diodorus Siculus, and other figures to illustrate how an individual's growth can be stunted if they only focus on immediate utility.

Friend: That's interesting. It's true that we shouldn't just focus on finding immediate use out of everything, but it's also important to understand the practical applications of the things we learn.

Me: Absolutely. The article doesn't advocate for completely neglecting the practical aspects of learning. Instead, it encourages individuals to look beyond the immediate utility of a subject and consider how it can help them become better people. It suggests that by engaging in philosophical reflection, developing one's appreciation of beauty, and disciplining one's mind with knowledge and logic, one can become a better human being and ultimately lead a better life.

Action items

Take time to reflect on the importance of seeking utility in everything. Consider how it can lead to stunted emotional and mental growth.
Research the works of Aristotle and Diodorus Siculus to gain a better understanding of their thoughts on education and training.
Read the new translation of Tusculan Disputations to gain further insight into the improvement of life and thought processes.

Technical terms

Diodorus Siculus: A Greek historian who wrote in the first century BC.
Education: The process of learning and acquiring knowledge.
Philosophy: The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence.
Training: The process of teaching and learning specific skills or knowledge.
Aristotle: A Greek philosopher who wrote extensively on education and training.
Utility: The quality of being useful or practical.
Nobility: The quality of being noble or honorable.
One-dimensionality: A personality that is so good at one thing that their growth has been stunted in other areas.
Truism: A statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting.
Logical Proofs: Arguments that are logically valid and demonstrate the truth of a statement.
Literalism: A tendency to interpret words and phrases in their most literal sense.
Pankration: An ancient Greek martial art that combined boxing and wrestling.
Duel: A prearranged fight between two people, usually with weapons.
Calumnies: False and malicious accusations.
Tusculan Disputations: A philosophical work by the Roman philosopher Cicero.