Economics (2.18-3.1)

For I saw that those who follow these pursuits carelessly suffer loss, and I discovered that those who devote themselves earnestly to them accomplish them more quickly, more easily and with more profit. I think that if you would elect to learn from these, you too with God’s favour would turn out a clever man of business.

Socrates,

I don’t intend to let you go now, until you have proved to my satisfaction what you have promised in the presence of our friends here to prove.

Well then,

what if I prove to your satisfaction, Critobulus, to begin with, that some men spend large sums in building houses that are useless, while others build houses perfect in all respects for much less? Will you think that I am putting before you one of the operations that constitute estate management?

Yes, certainly.