Ante-Nicene Fathers/Volume VIII/Pseudo-Clementine Literature/The Clementine Homilies/Homily IV/Chapter 9

Chapter IX.&#8212;Unworthy Ends of Philosophers.

&#8220;Wherefore, before beginning our conversation, let us now withdraw into some quieter place, and there I shall converse with you.&#160; And the reason why I wish to speak privately is this, because neither the multitude, nor even all the philosophers, approach honestly to the judgment of things as they are.&#160; For we know many, even of those who pride themselves on their philosophy, who are vainglorious, or who have put on the philosopher&#8217;s robe for the sake of gain, and not for the sake of virtue itself; and they, if they do not find that for which they take to philosophy, turn to mockery.&#160; Therefore, on account of such as these, let us choose some place fit for private conference.&#8221;