--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When Socrates was about 30, and his…" description: "\"When Socrates was about 30, and his father was long dead, he was still pursuing the art of sculpture, but from necessity, and without much inclination...." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea2/moses-mendelssohn-24658_art_when-socrates-was-about-30-and-his-fathe_1670559.png" --- # When Socrates was about 30, and his father was long dead… ![“When Socrates was about 30, and his father was long dead, he was still pursuing the art of sculpture, but from necessity, and without much inclination.” quote by Moses Mendelssohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea2/moses-mendelssohn-24658_art_when-socrates-was-about-30-and-his-fathe_1670559.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea2/moses-mendelssohn-24658_art_when-socrates-was-about-30-and-his-fathe_1670559.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ea2/moses-mendelssohn-24658_art_when-socrates-was-about-30-and-his-fathe_1670559.png) > “When Socrates was about 30, and his father was long dead, he was still pursuing the art of sculpture, but from necessity, and without much inclination.” [Moses Mendelssohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/moses-mendelssohn/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Socrates continued sculpting out of need, not passion, illustrating that practical work can coexist with philosophical pursuits. **In simple terms:** He kept a practical skill despite lacking desire. Key Takeaway Balance duty with passion. Themes philosophy craft necessity Mood reflective thoughtful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - career development - artistic practice - financial necessity - personal growth Key Concepts practicality discipline Questions to Reflect On - What practical skill could you maintain alongside your main passion? A Different Perspective May practical obligations hinder deeper intellectual work? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Art](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/art/) [Father](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/father/) [Parenting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/parenting/) [Sculpture](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sculpture/) ## Related quotes > [When you are pursuing art, it is critical to develop something signature. 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Bucchianeri](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/e-a-bucchianeri/) ## More by Moses Mendelssohn > [Socrates didn't care to visit the theater, as a rule, except when the plays of Euripides (which some think, he himself had helped to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/moses-mendelssohn/socrates-didn-t-care-to-visit-the-theater-as-a-rule-except-when-the/) [Moses Mendelssohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/moses-mendelssohn/) > [For a game it is too serious, for seriousness too much of a game.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/moses-mendelssohn/for-a-game-it-is-too-serious-for-seriousness-too-much-of-a-game/) [Moses Mendelssohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/moses-mendelssohn/) > [The principal axiom in their theory was: Everything can be proved, and everything can be disproved; and in the process, one must profit as…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/moses-mendelssohn/the-principal-axiom-in-their-theory-was-everything-can-be-proved-and/) [Moses Mendelssohn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/moses-mendelssohn/) > [The state has physical power and uses it when necessary; 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