And what harm that the philosopher should be known
by his acts, instead of mere outward signs and symbols?"
CLV
First study to conceal what thou art; seek wisdom a little while unto
thyself. 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
art thou; thou hast blossomed too soon: the winter cold will wither thee
away!
CLVI
First of all, condemn the life thou art now leading: but when thou
hast condemned it, do not despair of thyself--be not like them of mean
spirit, who once they have yielded, abandon themselves entirely and
as it were allow the torrent to sweep them away. No; learn what the
wrestling masters do. Has the boy fallen? "Rise," they say, "wrestle
again, till thy strength come to thee." Even thus should it be with
thee. For know that there is nothing more tractable than the human soul.
It needs but to will, and the thing is done; the soul is set upon the
right path: as on the contrary it needs but to nod over the task, and
all is lost. For ruin and recovery alike are from within.
CLVII
It is the critical moment that shows the man.
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