On no occasion call yourself a philosopher, and do
not speak much among the uninstructed about theorems
(philosophical rules, precepts): but do that which follows
from them. For example at a banquet do not say how a
man ought to eat, but eat as you ought to eat. For
remember that in this way Socrates1 also altogether
avoided ostentation: persons used to come to him and ask
to be recommended by him to philosophers, and he used to
take them to philosophers: so easily did he submit to
being overlooked. Accordingly if any conversation should
arise among uninstructed persons about any theorem, generally be silent; for there is great danger that you will
immediately vomit up what you have not digested. And
when a man shall say to you, that you know nothing, and
you are not vexed, then be sure that you have begun the
work (of philosophy). For even sheep do not vomit up
their grass and show to the shepherds how much they
have eaten; but when they have internally digested the
pasture, they produce externally wool and milk. Do you
also show not your theorems to the uninstructed, but show
the acts which come from their digestion.
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1 See iii. 23, 22; iv. 8, 2.
The Discourses of Epictetus, with the Encheridion and Fragments. Epictetus. George Long. translator. London. George Bell and Sons. 1890.
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