Some people will ask, "Where does this guy get his arrogance and snooty attitude?" But I don't have the dignity that fits a philosopher yet. I don't feel confident in what I've learned or what I believe. I'm still afraid of my own weaknesses. Let me gain confidence first. Then you'll see the face I should have and the bearing I should have. Then I'll show you the finished statue, when it's complete and polished. What did you expect — a snooty face? Does the statue of Zeus at Olympia raise his eyebrows and look down on people? No. His expression is steady, like someone ready to say:
But some will say, Whence has this fellow got the arrogance which he displays and these supercilious looks? I have not yet so much gravity as befits a philosopher; for I do not yet feel confidence in what I have learned and in what I have assented to. I still fear my own weakness. Let me get confidence and then you shall see a countenance such as I ought to have and an attitude such as I ought to have; then I will show to you the statue, when it is perfected, when it is polished. What do you expect? a supercilious countenance? Does the Zeus at Olympia lift up his brow? No, his look is fixed as becomes him who is ready to say: