Chapter Forty-six
46:1
Book Subtitle: The ancient summary of Epictetus's teachings and philosophy
Book Description: In this book, the whole of Epictetus' philosophy is condensed into 52 key lessons by his student Arrian. The handbook was meant to be kept 'on-hand' by ancient students of Stoicism. It is a guide to be referenced when navigating the trials of life. This makes it both a vivid distillation of the most important Stoic ideas and a tool for the practical application of the philosophy.
Chapter Subtitle: Never call yourself a philosopher, nor talk a great deal among the unlearned about theorems, but act conformably to them.
46. Never call yourself a philosopher, nor talk a great deal among the unlearned about theorems, but act conformably to them.
Thus, at an entertainment, don't talk how persons ought to eat, but eat as you ought.
For remember that in this manner Socrates also universally avoided all ostentation.
And when persons came to him and desired to be recommended by him to philosophers, he took andrecommended 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.
Book: Handbook
Subtitle: The ancient summary of Epictetus's teachings and philosophy
Author: Epictetus
Chapter: Chapter Forty-six
Chapter Subtitle: Never call yourself a philosopher, nor talk a great deal among the unlearned about theorems, but act conformably to them.
Location: Chapter 46, Section 1
Content:
46. Never call yourself a philosopher, nor talk a great deal among the unlearned about theorems, but act conformably to them.
Thus, at an entertainment, don't talk how persons ought to eat, but eat as you ought.
For remember that in this manner Socrates also universally avoided all ostentation.
And when persons came to him and desired to be recommended by him to philosophers, he took andrecommended 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.