Message #48723

[Bianca]

Ptolemy disposes of most of these criticisms. But in any case opposition was not (any more than defence) on rational grounds.

Someone who heard Favorinus give an anti-astrological lecture described how he summed up:




"Astrologers predict either adverse or propitious events. If they foretell prosperity and deceive you,

you will be made wretched by vain expectations; if they foretell adversity, you will be made wretched

by useless fears ...



The anticipation of your hopes will wear you out with suspense. Therefore there is every reason why

you should not resort to men of that kind who profess knowledge of the future. "