How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
It wasn't the glowing, however, that impressed me most about him; it was his simplicity, his economy of motion and of action. I hadn't truly appreciated any of this before. It was as if I saw more deeply into Socrates with every new lesson I learned. As I came to see the complexities of my mind, I realized how he had already transcended his. (4.59)
This passage marks one of the first times Dan expresses profound admiration for his teacher. His early days of being utterly frustrated and insulted by the old man have basically passed.
Quote #2
Too late I remembered that the purpose of his insults had always been to show me my own pride and resistance, and had taught me to persevere. But before I could apologize, Soc said, "Dan it's time we separated—at least for a time. You may come back once you have learned courtesy—and how to breathe properly. The one will help the other."
Sadly, I shuffled out, my head down, my world in darkness. Not until now had I realized how fond of him I had grown—and how grateful I felt. As I walked, I considered how patient he had been with my tantrums, complaints, and questions. I vowed never to yell at him in anger again. (4.268-269)
More admiration for Socrates. One question that might arise: How much are Dan's changes a result of the persuasive power of his teacher, and not the teachings themselves?
Quote #3
The following night, for the first time, Socrates was completely silent about my behavior. I got the message: I was going to have to be responsible for watching myself from now on. That's when I realized the kindness in all of his criticisms. I almost missed them. (4.315)
As part of Dan's training, Socrates relentlessly criticizes the youth's work around the gas station, but as he realizes here, the point was to help him. Socrates doesn't sugarcoat much, and ultimately, Dan admires him for it.