But solid geometry is not popular and has not the patronage of the State, nor is the use of it fully recognized; the difficulty is great, and the votaries of the study are conceited and impatient.

Still the charm of the pursuit wins upon men, and, if government would lend a little assistance, there might be great progress made.

'Very true,' replied Glaucon; 'but do I understand you now to begin with plane geometry, and to place next geometry of solids, and thirdly, astronomy, or the motion of solids ?' Yes, I said; my hastiness has only hindered us.
'Very good, and now let us proceed to astronomy, about which I am willing to speak in your lofty strain.

No one can fail to see that the contemplation of the heavens draws the soul upwards.' I am an exception, then; astronomy as studied at present appears to me to draw the soul not upwards, but downwards.

Star-gazing is just looking up at the ceiling--no better; a man may lie on his back on land or on water--he may look up or look down, but there is no science in that.