The Death of Marcus Aurelius

The Death of Marcus Aurelius

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

Epictetus, Golden Sayings 154


The dress is suited to the craft; the craftsman takes his name from the craft, not from the dress. 

For this reason Euphrates was right in saying, "I long endeavored to conceal my following the philosophic life; and this profited me much. 

"In the first place, I knew that what I did aright, I did not for the sake of lookers-on, but for my own. 

"I ate aright—unto myself; I kept the even tenor of my walk, my glance composed and serene—all unto myself and unto God. 

"Then as I fought alone, I was alone in peril. If I did anything amiss or shameful, the cause of Philosophy was not in me endangered; nor did I wrong the multitude by transgressing as a professed philosopher. 

"Wherefore those that knew not my purpose marveled how it came about, that whilst all my life and conversation was passed with philosophers without exception, I was yet none myself. 

"And what harm that the philosopher should be known by his acts, instead of mere outward signs and symbols?" 

IMAGE: Joseph Wright of Derby, Study of a Philosopher (c. 1768) 




 

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