240615 What I learned in my studies this morning 4

Today's Meditation(s):

Discourses, 2.24.29 (Waterfield)

Philosophy requires effort. Like an instrument or a sport, it requires practice to progress from the basics to higher levels of skill. Like a teacher or a coach, a philosopher won't respond to someone who shows no true desire to learn. If I think I already know what I came here to learn, of what use are mentors and instructors?

And if I have the raw materials — a mouth or limbs for art, a body for athletics, reason for philosophy — but neglect them until their natural aptitude is squandered, of what use am I to these who already know and whose job it is to show me?