SUCH a one is a philosopher. Why? Because he wears a cloak and long hair. What, then, do mountebanks wear? And so, when people see any of these acting indecently, they presently say, “See what the philosopher doth." But they ought rather, from his acting indecently, to say he is no philosopher.
EPICTETUS. DISCOURSES. Book iv. §8. ¶1
AS soon as they have put on a cloak and let their beard grow they cry, "I am a philosopher." Yet no one says, “I am a musician," because he hath bought a fiddle and fiddlestick; nor, "I am a smith," because he is dressed in the Vulcanian cap and apron. But they take their name from their art, not from their habit.
EPICTETUS. DISCOURSES. Book iv. §8. ¶3
No one says, “I am a musician," because he has bought guitar; nor, "I am a mechanic," because he is dressed in overalls and owns a wrench. Artists take their name from their art and skill, not from their clothes. So when you see someone who calls himself a Stoic acting indecently, don't say “See how a Stoic behaves." Instead, from his acting indecently, say "He is no Stoic." - Inspired by Epictetus
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