Page:All the works of Epictetus - which are now extant; consisting of his Discourses, preserved by Arrian, in four books, the Enchiridion, and fragments (IA allworksofepicte00epic).pdf/460

408 up with you and thus you will lay hold on it, as it is to be borne.

Reasonings are unconnected: "I am richer than you; therefore I am better:" "I am more eloquent than you; therefore I am better." The Connexion is rather this: "I am richer than you; therefore my Property is greater than yours:" "I am more eloquent than you; therefore my Style is better than yours." But you, after all, are neither Property, nor Style.

any one bathe in a mighty little time? Do not say, that he doth it ill; but, in a mighty little time. Doth any one drink a great Quantity of Wine? Do not say that he doth ill; but, that he drinks a great Quantity. For, unless you perfectly understand the Principle, [from which any one acts], how should you know, if he acts ill? Thus you will not run the Hazard of assenting to any Appearances, but such as you fully comprehend.

call yourself a Philosopher; nor talk a great deal among the Unlearned about Theorems; but act conformably to them. Thus, at an Entertainment, do not 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 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 any one tells you, that you know nothing, and you are not nettled at it, then you may be sure, that you have begun Rh