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The eagerness of the pursuit has abated; there is more division

of labour and less of comprehensive reflection upon nature and

human life as a whole; more of exact observation and less of

anticipation and inspiration. Still, in the altered conditions of

knowledge, the parallel is not wholly lost; and there may be a

use in translating the conception of Plato into the language of

our own age. The philosopher in modern times is one who fixes his

mind on the laws of nature in their sequence and connexion, not

on fragments or pictures of nature; on history, not on

controversy; on the truths which are acknowledged by the few, not

on the opinions of the many. He is aware of the importance of

'classifying according to nature,' and will try to 'separate the

limbs of science without breaking them' (Phaedr.). There is no

part of truth, whether great or small, which he will dishonour;

and in the least things he will discern the greatest (Parmen.).