"When Socrates was about 30, and his father was long dead, he was still pursuing the art of sculpture, but from necessity, and without much inclination"

This quote by Moses Mendelssohn is describing the life of Socrates, among the most influential philosophers in history. At the age of 30, Socrates had actually currently outlived his daddy and was required to pursue the art of sculpture out of requirement, rather than out of any real passion for the craft. This quote speaks with the challenging circumstances Socrates dealt with in his early life, and how he was forced to use up a profession he had no real interest in. Regardless of this, Socrates was able to use his skills as a sculptor to support himself and his family, and eventually went on to turn into one of the most prominent thinkers in history. This quote works as a suggestion of the value of determination and effort, even in the face of difficulty.