| The first excerpt represents the element of Air. It speaks of mental influences and the process of thought, and is drawn from The Sportsman by Xenophon: the wisdom he professes consists in word-subtleties, not in ideas.[8]
Certainly it does not escape my notice that an orderly sequence of
ideas adds beauty to the composition:[9] I mean it will be easy to
find fault with what is written incorrectly.[10] Nevertheless, I
warrant it is written in this fashion with an eye to rectitude, to
make the reader wise and good, not more sophistical. For I would wish
my writings not to seem but rather to be useful. I would have them
stand the test of ages in their blamelessness.[11]
[8] {onomasi}, "in names"; {noemasi}, "thoughts and ideas."
[9] Or, "I am alive to the advantage to be got from methodic, orderly
expression artistically and morally."
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The second excerpt represents the element of Fire. It speaks of emotional influences and base passions, and is drawn from Stories From the Old Attic by Robert Harris: the way of my new banquet hall, and I desire to rid myself of so
much old paper. But I do not wish to throw out every book. I want
to keep some for the sake of his precious memory. Thus, I have come
to you for a principle of selection. Which books should I keep and
which should I burn?"
"Go to the ancient source of rock in your kingdom, from which your
cities have been built," answered The Wise One, "and build a pile of
stones until you can stand on it and see over the edge of the
quarry. Then remove the contemptible stones."
With a look of deep thoughtfulness on his brow, the young ruler left
the presence of The Wise One and returned to his kingdom. It is not
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