Alexander, Caesar, Pompey — what are they compared to Diogenes, Heraclitus, and Socrates? The philosophers saw into the true nature of things. They understood causes and studied reality deeply. They had real power and authority over these matters. But the conquerors? Their slavery was as vast as their errors.
Alexander, Caius, Pompeius; what are these to Diogenes, Heraclitus, and Socrates? These penetrated into the true nature of things; into all causes, and all subjects: and upon these did they exercise their power and authority. But as for those, as the extent of their error was, so far did their slavery extend.