Lucian Somnium sive vita Luciani 1

[1] No sooner had I left off school, being then well on in my teens, than my father and his friends began to discuss what he should have me taught next. Most of them thought that higher education required great labour, much time, considerable expense, and conspicuous social position, while our circumstances were but moderate and demanded . speedy relief; but that if I were to learn one of the handicrafts, in the first place I myself would immediately receive my support from the trade instead of continuing to share the family table at my age; besides, at no distant day I would delight my father by bringing home my earnings regularly.

[1] When I had just left school, and was beginning to grow up, my father consulted with his friends as to what further training he should give me. The majority decided against a liberal education; it would demand, they said, great labor, much time, considerable expense, and brilliant good-luck; whereas our means were small and called for some speedy succor. Now, if I should learn one of the industrial arts, I would, in the first place, be immediately able to support myself by my trade, and live no longer at my father's expense, great boy that I was. And in a short time I could gladden his heart by bringing home my earnings every day.