In my own time there have been inventions of this sort, transparent windows tubes for diffusing warmth equally through all parts of a building short-hand, which has been carried to such a perfection that a writer can keep pace with the most rapid speaker. But the inventing of such things is drudgery for the lowest slaves; philosophy lies deeper. It is not her office to teach men how to use their hands. The object of her lessons is to form the soul.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the distinction between practical inventions and the deeper purpose of philosophy. The speaker acknowledges the advancements in technology, such as transparent windows and shorthand, that have made life more efficient. However, they argue that these inventions primarily serve to assist physical tasks and are created through mundane labor. In contrast, the speaker argues that philosophy's true purpose is not to teach people practical skills but to shape and cultivate one's soul, focusing on the pursuit of wisdom and personal growth.

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