I feel friendship towards philosophers, but towards sophists, teachers of literature, or any other such kind of godforsaken people, I neither feel friendship now, nor may I ever do so in the future.

In this quote, Apollonius of Tyana expresses his strong feelings about the distinction between friendship with philosophers and his complete lack of regard for sophists, teachers of literature, and other similar figures, whom he refers to as "godforsaken". Apollonius makes a clear distinction between those he considers worthy of his friendship—philosophers, who he presumably sees as seekers of truth and wisdom—and those he sees as intellectually or morally inferior, such as sophists. Sophists, in Ancient Greece, were often criticized for using clever rhetoric and arguments to deceive or manipulate, rather than pursue genuine philosophical truth.

Apollonius’s choice of words, calling the sophists and others "godforsaken," reflects his disdain for people he perceives as shallow or corrupt in their pursuit of knowledge. He implies that these individuals are morally or intellectually bankrupt, offering nothing of value in terms of true friendship or meaningful intellectual engagement. This reveals Apollonius's belief that friendship should be based on shared values, intellectual rigor, and moral integrity, which he finds in philosophers, but not in those who engage in what he considers dishonest or superficial practices.

The quote also reflects Apollonius’s philosophy, which was grounded in asceticism and a pursuit of wisdom that transcended conventional societal values. By contrasting philosophers with sophists and other intellectuals, he highlights his preference for those whose goals align with a higher pursuit of truth and self-understanding, rather than personal gain or rhetorical manipulation. His disdain for the latter groups shows his belief in the importance of authenticity and integrity in both knowledge and relationships.

Ultimately, Apollonius's statement emphasizes that friendship should be reserved for those who embody intellectual honesty, integrity, and wisdom. His harsh judgment of sophists and others illustrates a deep commitment to the ideals of philosophy, where relationships are not just based on social convenience but on a genuine, shared pursuit of truth and moral excellence.