How we cite our quotes: Line
Quote #1
I'd like you, as soon as possible, to reverse your life, and go to learn the things I want you to. (87)
Strepsiades supposedly wants Pheidippides to shape up and stop being so irresponsible. Unfortunately for his messaging, he's suggesting that Pheidippides do this by trying to cheat their creditors out of the money owed to them… which seems pretty irresponsible to us, actually. As you'll see elsewhere, the play often suggests that "change" isn't really good. And, in this case, is it really even change at all if Strepsiades is just encouraging more bad behavior?
Quote #2
And I won't take this setback lying down. / I'll say a little prayer and go myself / to the Thinkery to get an education. / But how's an old man like me, forgetful and dense, / to learn precise, hair-splitting arguments? (126-130)
Strepsiades is asking himself that well-worn question about old dogs and new tricks. Apparently, he's not super optimistic that he can learn new tricks, er, things.
Quote #3
Let the oldster speak with reverence, let him hear our pious prayer. (263)
Socrates and others (including Strepsiades himself) play up how old Strepsiades is. It is used as an excuse for some of Strepsiades's more ridiculous behavior… but given that his son (and the other people at the Thinkery, for that matter) is also pretty foolish, we're not buying the age argument.