Oration on the life of Galen, delivered by Doctor Milich at the graduation of Doctors of Medicine

Rightly Hesiod berates the sloth and stupidity of humankind, saying that stupid mortals do not even know the uses of the mallow and of the asphodel [Works and Days 41]. For we men are made to behold this nature of things, and are as if placed in this theatre by divine providence, so that, by understanding the marvellous movements of the heavens and the variety of things that come into being, we may recognise God as the Maker, and seek salutary protection for life. What is more unworthy and vile than if we forget this gift and, like blind men in a theatre, do not behold and contemplate ourselves or other common things that are in our hands? Instead of this most beautiful sight, the rabble prefers bestial and disgusting pleasures or the most squalid and stupid cares, and while they are engaged with these their minds do not allow more worthy thoughts to enter. Even though this indolence, or rather insanity, of men deserves censuring, nevertheless those are even more to be rebuked who are destined for knowledge and philosophy, but spurn the examination of nature.

One cannot demand that all be dedicated to one branch of study, for there is need in life of many and various arts, and each is due its place and its dignity.