And when persons came to him and desired to be recommended by him to philosophers, he took and- recommended them, so well did he bear being overlooked.So that if ever any talk should happen among the unlearned concerning philosophic theorems, be you, for the most part, silent.For there is great danger in immediately throwing out what you have not digested.And, if anyone tells you that you know nothing, and you are not nettled at it, then you may be sure that you have begun your business.For sheep don't throw up the grass to show the shepherds how much they have eaten; but, inwardly digesting their food, they outwardly produce wool and milk.Thus, therefore, do you likewise not show theorems to the unlearned, but the actions produced by them after they have been digested.47.When you have brought yourself to supply the necessities of your body at a small price, don't pique yourself upon it; nor, if you drink water, be saying upon every occasion, "I drink water." But first consider how much more sparing and patient of hardship the poor are than we.But if at any time you would inure yourself by exercise to labor, and bearing hard trials, do it for your own sake, and not for the world; don't grasp statues, but, when you are violently thirsty, take a little cold water in your mouth, and spurt it out and tell nobody.48.The condition and characteristic of a vulgar person, is, that he never expects either benefit or hurt from himself, but from externals.
The condition and characteristic of a philosopher is, that he expects all hurt and benefit from himself.The marks of a proficient are, that he censures no one, praises no one, blames no one, accuses no one, says nothing concerning himself as being anybody, or knowing anything: when he is, in any instance, hindered or restrained, he accuses himself; and, if he is praised, he secretly laughs at the person who praises him; and, if he is censured, he makes no defense.But he goes about with the caution of sick or injured people, dreading to move anything that is set right, before it is perfectly fixed.
He suppresses all desire in himself; he transfers his aversion to those things only which thwart the proper use of our own faculty of choice; the exertion of his active powers towards anything is very gentle; if he appears stupid or ignorant, he does not care, and, in a word, he watches himself as an enemy, and one in ambush.49.When anyone shows himself overly confident in ability to understand and interpret the works of Chrysippus, say to yourself, " Unless Chrysippus had written obscurely, this person would have had no subject for his vanity.