In Athens during the Golden Age of the 5th century B.C., philosophers taught their fellow citizens the art of living, that is, how to live in harmony with an ever-expanding and sprawling city. In these open philosophical and mentoring sessions, they would often discuss ideas on how to resolve issues that plagued the common Athenian citizen or the society as a whole, but only after they dined on delights seasoned with spirit-warming aniseed and blissful fruits like the fig.