Aristotle's Metaphysics

Chapter 2

wisdom began to be sought.
29 ¶ It is therefore clear that we seek it for no other utility. But just as we call that person free who exists for their own sake and not for the sake of another, so too is this the only one of the sciences that is free. Indeed,
30 this science alone exists for its own sake. ¶ Wherefore, its possession might rightly be considered more than human. For in many respects, the nature of humans is enslaved.
Simonides 31 ¶ Therefore, according to Simonides, God alone surely possesses this dignity. It is unworthy for a man to seek a science that is not suited to his condition. If what the poets say is true—that it is the nature of divinity to be envious—it is in this matter especially that such a thing is likely to happen, and all who seek things higher than themselves are unfortunate. But it is not fitting for the divine nature to be envious, and the poets (as the proverb says)
32 tell many lies. ¶ Nor should any other science be considered more honorable than this. For that which is most divine is also most honorable. Such a science would be twofold: for that which God most possesses is a divine science, and so is any science concerned with divine things. This science alone achieves both. For God is seen to be the cause and a certain principle for all, and such a science God possesses either alone or chiefly.
33 ¶ All other sciences, therefore, are more
34 necessary than this one, but none is better. ¶ However, it is necessary to establish its order in a way contrary to the inquiries that were made from the beginning. For all men begin (as we said) from wonder: [wondering] whether things are so, just as with mechanical marvels original: "praestigiosis," referring to automata or self-moving puppets that seem miraculous to those who do not understand their mechanisms. that move by themselves for those who have not yet contemplated the cause; or concerning the solstices, or the incommensurability of the diameter The "incommensurability of the diameter" (diagonal) of a square refers to the mathematical proof that the diagonal and the side cannot be measured by the same whole unit; this was a foundational discovery of irrational numbers in Greek geometry.. For it seems wonderful to everyone if something that is not the smallest unit cannot be measured. But it is fitting to arrive at the contrary and the better state (as the proverb says) once one has learned. For a geometrician would wonder at nothing more than if the diameter were to become commensurable.
35 ¶ Now, what the nature of the science being sought is, and what the intention is which the inquiry and the whole treatise must follow, has been stated.

such wisdom began to be sought.
¶ From which it is clear that we seek it for no other utility, but just as we call that man free who exists for his own sake and not for another, so too is this the only one of the sciences that is free. For this alone exists for its own sake.
¶ Wherefore, its possession might not unjustly be thought not to be human. For by many conditions, the nature of humans is enslaved.
¶ Therefore, according to Simonides, God alone possesses this honor. Indeed, it is not fitting for a man to seek only that [knowledge] which is accommodated to his own status. But if the poets speak truly and envy falls upon God, it is in this matter especially that it is most likely to happen, and those men are unfortunate who seek these superfluous things. But neither can God be envious; rather (as it is said in the proverb), the poets tell lies in many matters.
¶ Nor should one think any other science more honorable than this. For it is clear that the most honorable is that which is most divine. But this alone is such in two ways. For that is divine in the highest degree which God most possesses, and that likewise which is concerned with divine things. This science alone has undergone both conditions. For God is seen to be the cause and a certain principle for all things, and such a science God possesses either alone or in the highest degree.
¶ All other sciences, therefore, are more necessary than this; but none is more excellent.
¶ Nevertheless, in the acquisition of this science, we must reach the opposite of where we were at the beginning of our search. For all men begin (as has been said) from wonder; as happens when marvelous things are observed and the cause is not yet perceived. They wonder if the matter is so, whether regarding the solstices or the incommensurability of the square's diameter. For it seems marvelous to all if something cannot be measured at all. It is necessary, however, to end at the opposite and better state (as it is said in the proverb) once one has learned. For certainly, a geometrician would wonder at nothing more than if the diameter should become commensurable.
¶ Now, what the nature is of the science we seek, and what the proposed mark or sign is which the inquiry and the entire teaching ought to reach, we have now sufficiently explained.