Astonishment, as πάθος, is the ἀρχή [the beginning] of philosophy. We must understand the Greek word ἀρχή in its fullest sense. It names that from which something proceeds. But this "from where" is not left behind in the process of going out, but the beginning rather becomes that which the verb ἄρχειν expresses, that which governs. The πάθος of astonishment thus does not simply stand at the beginning of philosophy, as, for example, the washing of his hands precedes the surgeon's operation. Astonishment carries and pervades philosophy.

Aristotle says the same thing (Metaphysics): διὰ γὰρ τὸ θαθμαάζειν οἰ ἄνθρωποι και νῦν και τὸ πρῶτον ἤρξαντο φιλοσοφεῖν. "Through astonishment men have reached now, as well as at first, the determining path of philosophizing" (that from which philosophizing emanates and that which altogether determines the course of philosophizing).

¶ 7:02 PM