It is itself the supreme sanction, for its posts are the prizes of proficiency.

Through the study of the classics lies the only entrance to political power.

To become a mandarin one must have passed a series of competitive examinations on these very subjects, and competition in this impersonal field is most keen.

For while popular enthusiasm for philosophy for philosophy's sake might, among any people, eventually show symptoms of fatigue, it is not likely to flag where the outcome of it is so substantial.

Erudition carries there all earthly emoluments in its train.