From Diognetus I learned not to waste time on pointless things. I learned not to believe people who claim they can work miracles — sorcerers, magicians, and frauds who say they can cast spells or drive out demons. I learned not to keep fighting quails or get obsessed with such games. I learned not to take offense at plain speaking, and to turn toward philosophy. I also owe him thanks for introducing me to Bacchius first, then Tandasis and Marcianus. Because of him, I wrote dialogues when I was young. I came to love the simple couch and rough clothing that Greek philosophers use.
Of Diognetus, not to busy myself about vain things, and not easily to believe those things, which are commonly spoken, by such as take upon them to work wonders, and by sorcerers, or prestidigitators, and impostors; concerning the power of charms, and their driving out of demons, or evil spirits; and the like. Not to keep quails for the game; nor to be mad after such things. Not to be offended with other men's liberty of speech, and to apply myself unto philosophy. Him also I must thank, that ever I heard first Bacchius, then Tandasis and Marcianus, and that I did write dialogues in my youth; and that I took liking to the philosophers' little couch and skins, and such other things, which by the Grecian discipline are proper to those who profess philosophy.