As an example of just how useless these philosophers are for any practice in life there is Socrates himself, the one and only wise man, according to the Delphic Oracle. Whenever he tried to do anything in public he had to break off amid general laughter. While he was philosophizing about clouds and ideas, measuring a flea's foot and marveling at a midge's humming, he learned nothing about the affairs of ordinary life.

Summary

This quote criticizes philosophers, particularly Socrates, for their perceived lack of practicality and disconnect from the realities of everyday life. It suggests that philosophers, including the wise Socrates, engage in irrelevant pursuits such as pondering abstract concepts while remaining ignorant of practical matters. The quote implies that philosophy is useless for navigating practical life situations, highlighting a perceived gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

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