These things, then, I have set forth not having learned them from another, having visited much land, and on the one hand having played the sophist in your subjects, and on the other having met with many arts and contrivances, and lastly having spent time in the city of the Romans, and having studied the variety of statues brought up to them from you. For I do not, as is the custom with most people, attempt to confirm my own views by the opinions of others, but I wish myself to compose both the apprehension and the record of all the things which I shall set forth. Therefore, having bidden farewell both to the boastfulness of the Romans and the frigid speech of the Athenians, with their incoherent doctrines, I have laid claim to the barbarian philosophy that is according to us; the manner in which it is more ancient than the pursuits among you I had begun to write, but, on account of the urgency of the exposition, I postponed it, and now, when it is the proper time, I will attempt to speak concerning the doctrines according to it. Do not, then, take ill our instruction, nor contrive against us a contradiction full of nonsense and buffoonery, saying: "Tatian, above the Greeks, above the boundless multitude of those who have philosophized, is innovating barbarian doctrines." For what is grievous in men who have shown themselves ignorant being now refuted together by a man of like passions? And what is absurd, according to your own sophist, in always growing old while being taught all things?