The article discusses a satirical poem from 12th-century Byzantium by Theodore Prodromos, illustrating the longstanding belief that pursuing studies in arts and humanities leads to poverty. Through a father’s advice to his son to become a scholar, the poem contrasts his hopes for a prosperous future with the son’s lament of his empty pantry and lack of wealth, suggesting that practical skills might have provided better financial prospects. This historical perspective resonates with modern stereotypes regarding the value of education in the arts versus trades.
Ever since I was a young boy my father used to tell me, Learn your letters, my boy, and there'll be no one like you; My boy, see Mr so-and-so? He used to go on foot, He now rides a fat mule with double leather straps; While he was learning he had no shoes, But now you see him in his windlepockers... So learn your letters, take heed of the word of your old father, and there'll be no one like you!
If they'd make me a craftsman...and had I learnt a craft I could have opened my pantry to find it full of bread, Copious wine and cooked tunny... instead, I open it now and I see nothing but empty shelves; Files and files of parchment.
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