That is my only aim, my only reward." Then Festus replies: "In this solitariness of aim, all other interests of humanity are left out.

Will knowledge, alone, give you enough for life?
You, a man!" And again: "You discern your purpose clearly; have you any security of attaining it?
Is it not more than mortal power is capable of winning ?" Or again: "Have you any knowledge of the path to knowledge ?" Or, once more, "Is anything in your mind so clear as this, your own desire to be singly famous ?" "All this is nothing," Paracelsus answers; "the restless force within me will overcome all difficulties.

God does not give that fierce energy without giving also that which it desires.

And, I am chosen out of all the world to win this glory." "Why not then," says Festus, "make use of knowledge already gained?
Work here; what knowledge will you gain in deserts ?" "I have tried all the knowledge of the past," Paracelsus replies, "and found it a contemptible failure.

Others were content with the scraps they won.