It seems likely that the man who pursues intellectual activity, and who cultivates his intellect and keeps that in the best condition, is also the man most beloved of the gods. For if, as is generally believed, the gods exercise some superintendence over human affairs, then it will be reasonable to suppose that they take pleasure in that part of man which is best and most akin to themselves, namely, the intellect, and that they recompense with their favors those men who esteem and honor this most, because these care for the things dear to themselves, and act rightly and nobly. Now it is clear that all these attributes belong most of all to the wise man.

In the context of intellectual activity and divine favor, what is the text implying about those who pursue intellectual pursuits?
a) Intellectual pursuits are futile
b) Intellectual pursuits are unrelated to divine favor
c) Intellectual pursuits are a means to divine favor
d) Divine favor is granted randomly