Epictetus, The Handbook 23: Philosophers and Proud Looks

If you set your desire on philosophy you must at once prepare to meet with ridicule and the jeers of many who will say, 'Here he is again, turned philosopher. Where has he got these proud looks?'

No, put on no proud looks, but hold fast to what seems best to you, in confidence that God has set you at this post. And remember that if you abide where you are, those who first laugh at you will one day admire you, and that if you give way to them, you will get doubly laughed at.

—Epictetus, The Handbook, Chapter 22 (tr Matheson)

What defines the philosopher will mean different things at different times and to different people. For the Ancients, philosophy was seen primarily as a way of living, while for us Moderns it is primarily a professional exercise in academic circles. From the Stoic perspective, the former would be a transformation of daily practice, while the latter would, in itself, be only an exercise in theory for the attainment of office.

If a philosopher wishes to gain honor, then he would most certainly put on proud looks, much like a celebrity performer or a politician. But if he is interested only in improving his own wisdom and virtue, regardless of what others may think of him, he will be content to appear the fool.

Our mothers would often tell us to never mind those who mocked and ridiculed us, because they were only doing it out of jealousy. Now I hardly know if the bullies and the blowhards consciously wanted what I had, though I do think they were made deeply uncomfortable by anyone or anything that was different from them. In a world where the pursuit of pleasure, fame, wealth, and power are all too common, the philosopher, in practice and not just in theory, will certainly be very different, and he will certainly find himself the odd one out.

Plato spoke of the philosopher returning to the Cave, not to fall back into ignorance but to help others ascend to wisdom, and being thought insane by those who still perceived reality through impressions. I must consider the source when I untangle praise and blame.

We too often forget that our highest calling is to pursue what is right and to remain firm in that conviction, regardless of the obstacles. Nothing else is worthy of respect. I have lived many such instances of struggle and opportunity on a daily basis. Sometimes I have muddled through, and sometimes I have failed. How can I praise friendship, while at the same time betraying a friend? How can I honor truth, and tell lies out of convenience? How can I respect justice, while also taking what isn’t mine to take? How can I admire courage, and crawl into the corner at the first sign of danger?

It isn’t rocket science. I need only hold the post, and keep the watch. It matters little whether others give you commendations or reprimands.

Written in 7/1994

Image: Salvator Rosa, Portrait of a Philosopher (early 17th c.)