To Young Men: On How They Might Profit from Greek Literature*
* SAINT BASIL THE GREAT. Translation based on the Spanish version by Francisco Antonio García Romero.
“…Just as it happens with flowers, where others may only enjoy their scent and color, but bees are also able to sip their honey; in the same way, for those who do not seek exclusively the delight and pleasure of such works, there is also the possibility of extracting from them a certain profit for their soul.
Indeed, following the example of the bees in everything is how we should approach these works: for they do not go to all flowers alike, nor do they try to carry away entire those upon which they land; instead, they take what is suitable for their task and leave the rest behind. We, if we are wise, will take from those works whatever is familiar and connatural with the truth and overlook the rest. And just as, when picking a rose, we avoid the thorns, so too in such works, after collecting what is useful, let us guard ourselves against what is harmful.”
