Part Two, Chapter XX Summary

Many years later Charicles the philosopher is speaking at Antioch, and in his audience is an elderly man with white hair and a ravaged face. At first Charicles tries to avoid talking to him, but Elisha introduces himself and begins speaking, Charicles is interested. The two men discuss the highest levels of philosophy, speaking only as men who have devoted their lives to the study of it can do. Charicles finally says that mathematics and science could also be myths; there are no proofs that Euclid was correct beyond doubt. This statement shakes Elisha to his core, and he finally reaches his great truth. He experiences a great feeling of failure, seeking a reasoned certainty that would explain everything, including faith, only to find that the quest was in vain.

Part Two, Chapter XX Analysis

The conversation...