Able Quote by Aristotle
![“Now that practical skills have developed enough to provide adequately for material needs, one of these sciences which are not devoted to utilitarian ends [mathematics] has been able to arise in Egypt, the priestly caste there having the leisure necessary for disinterested research.” quote by Aristotle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2ee/aristotle-78_able_now-that-practical-skills-have-developed_114834.jpg)
“Now that practical skills have developed enough to provide adequately for material needs, one of these sciences which are not devoted to utilitarian ends [mathematics] has been able to arise in Egypt, the priestly caste there having the leisure necessary for disinterested research.”
About This Quote
He notes that when basic material needs are met, societies can support scholars who pursue knowledge for its own sake, as seen in ancient Egypt.
In simple terms: Security allows people to study without immediate practical goals.
Key Takeaway
Economic stability enables pure research.
Themes
philosophy of science
ancient Egypt
leisure class
non‑utilitarian knowledge
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
philosophical observation
historical note
When to use this quote
- funding basic research
- historical analysis of scientific development
- policy debates on research funding
Key Concepts
relationship between wealth and scholarship
motivation for inquiry
Practical Applications
- advocate for basic science funding
- highlight historical examples of pure research
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern conditions parallel ancient Egypt’s leisure class?
- Can pure research thrive without economic security?
