LET us see your principles. For is it not evident that you consider your own choice as nothing, but look out for something external and independent on it? As, what such a one will say of you, and what you shall be thought: whether a man of letters, whether to have read Chrysippus or Antipater; for, if Archedemus too, you have everything you wish. Why are you still solicitous, lest you should not show us what you are? Will you let me tell you what you have showed us that you are? A mean, discontented, passionate, cowardly fellow; complaining of everything; accusing everybody; perpetually restless; good for nothing. This you have showed us.
EPICTETUS. DISCOURSES. Book iii. §2. ¶5.
I like this very much. "Let us SEE your principles" not "Let us HEAR your principles". It is all about practice, not belief. James 2:18 says it well "But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do." This is yet more evidence that I need to develop a series of Stoic exercises.
ReplyDeleteThe proof of the pudding is in the tasting... It doesn't matter what you say your principles are but only what people see you living as your principles on a daily basis.
ReplyDelete