Observations placeholder
Socrates - Epictitus The Enchiridion - Humility
Identifier
013684
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
You cannot learn if you do all the talking and boasting - ego gets in the way of learning
A description of the experience
Epictitus - The Enchiridion
46. Never call yourself a philosopher, nor talk a great deal
among the unlearned about theorems, but act conformably to
them. Thus, at an entertainment, don't talk how persons ought
to eat, but eat as you ought. For remember that in this manner
Socrates also universally avoided all ostentation. And when
persons came to him and desired to be recommended by him to
philosophers, he took and- recommended them, so well did he
bear being overlooked. So that if ever any talk should happen
among the unlearned concerning philosophic theorems, be you,
for the most part, silent. For there is great danger in
immediately throwing out what you have not digested. And, if
anyone tells you that you know nothing, and you are not
nettled at it, then you may be sure that you have begun your
business. For sheep don't throw up the grass to show the
shepherds how much they have eaten; but, inwardly digesting
their food, they outwardly produce wool and milk. Thus,
therefore, do you likewise not show theorems to the unlearned,
but the actions produced by them after they have been
digested.