Meaning: This quote is from the ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes, who is known for his comedic and satirical plays. The quote is from his play "The Clouds," which is a comedy that satirizes the teachings of the philosopher Socrates and the intellectual fashions of the time. In this particular quote, the character Strepsiades is addressing Socrates, who is portrayed as a sophist and a teacher of rhetoric and argumentation.

The quote "Shrines! Shrines! Surely you don't believe in the gods. What's your argument? Where's your proof?" is a humorous and satirical expression of skepticism and disbelief. Strepsiades is challenging Socrates, questioning the existence of the gods and demanding evidence or proof to support belief in them. This reflects the skeptical and rationalistic tendencies that were prevalent in ancient Greece, particularly in the intellectual circles of Athens.

Aristophanes uses this quote to highlight the absurdity of the sophists' teachings and their reliance on persuasive argumentation rather than empirical evidence or philosophical inquiry. The character of Socrates in "The Clouds" is depicted as a charlatan and a manipulator of language, using his rhetorical skills to deceive and exploit his students. By having Strepsiades question Socrates' belief in the gods and demand proof, Aristophanes is poking fun at the sophists' tendency to prioritize persuasive argumentation over truth and reason.

The quote also reflects the broader cultural and intellectual context of ancient Greece, where philosophical inquiry and skepticism were gaining prominence. During the 5th century BCE, Athens was a hub of intellectual and artistic activity, with philosophers, playwrights, and thinkers engaging in debates about the nature of reality, the existence of the gods, and the foundations of knowledge. The quote captures the spirit of inquiry and skepticism that characterized this period, as well as the tension between traditional religious beliefs and the emerging rationalistic worldview.

Aristophanes' use of humor and satire in "The Clouds" serves to challenge and critique the prevailing intellectual trends of his time. By employing witty dialogue and absurd situations, he invites the audience to question the authority of the sophists and the validity of their teachings. The quote "Shrines! Shrines! Surely you don't believe in the gods. What's your argument? Where's your proof?" encapsulates the subversive and irreverent spirit of Aristophanes' comedy, as well as his willingness to challenge conventional beliefs and intellectual pretensions.

In conclusion, the quote by Aristophanes from "The Clouds" encapsulates the satirical and skeptical tone of the play, as well as the broader cultural and intellectual context of ancient Greece. Through the character of Strepsiades, Aristophanes questions the beliefs and teachings of the sophists, using humor and wit to challenge their reliance on persuasive argumentation and their lack of empirical evidence. The quote serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of skepticism, critical inquiry, and the search for truth in the history of ideas.