10.
Do you see yonder Scythian or Sarmatian king, his head adorned with the badge of his office?
If you wish to see what he amounts to, and to know his full worth, take off his diadem; much evil lurks beneath it.
But why do I speak of others?
If you wish to set a value on yourself, put away your money, your estates, your honours, and look into your own soul.
At present, you are taking the word of others for what you are.
Farewell.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On worldly deceptions
Location: Chapter 80, Section 10
Content:
10.
Do you see yonder Scythian or Sarmatian king, his head adorned with the badge of his office?
If you wish to see what he amounts to, and to know his full worth, take off his diadem; much evil lurks beneath it.
But why do I speak of others?
If you wish to set a value on yourself, put away your money, your estates, your honours, and look into your own soul.
At present, you are taking the word of others for what you are.
Farewell.