Riches

Again, nothing ever changes. The vulgarity Cicero discusses in this passage from his speech in defense of Archias the poet (Pro Archia Poeta 7) sounds a lot like the hateful anti-intellectual bile spewed by certain contemporary adherents of a political cult that worships an orange idol.

• • •

For other pursuits are not fit for all times, ages, or places;

but these studies educate the young, delight the old,

add luster to success, but offer refuge and comfort in adversity,

are pleasant at home and do not impede traveling,

overnight with us, journey with us, and accompany us into the countryside.

And if this praise of study and the liberal arts happens to offend anyone,

I think that, although they live in the midst of this culture and humanity,

they do not understand how much they owe to these arts that they reject.

• • •

Here is the original:

Nam ceterae neque temporum sunt neque aetatum omnium neque locorum;

haec studia adulescentiam alunt, senectutem oblectant,

secundas res ornant, adversis perfugium ac solacium praebent,

delectant domi, non impediunt foris,

pernoctant nobiscum, peregrinantur, rusticantur.

Et si quos forte offendit haec laus studiorum atque artium liberalium,

eos ignorare arbitror, cum versentur in hoc cultu atque humanitate,

quantum ipsi debeant iis artibus, quas improbant.