Epictetus, Golden Sayings 155

First study to conceal what you are; seek wisdom a little while unto yourself. 

Thus grows the fruit; first, the seed must be buried in the earth for a little space. There it must be hid and slowly grow, that it may reach maturity. 

But if it produce the ear before the jointed stalk, it is imperfect—a thing from the garden of Adonis. 

Such a sorry growth are you; you have blossomed too soon. The winter cold will wither you away!