But he who would be a great man ought to regard, not himself or his interests, but what is just, whether the just act be his own or that of another.

Through a similar error men are induced to fancy that their own ignorance is wisdom, and thus we who may be truly said to know nothing, think that we know all things; and because we will not let others act for us in what we do not know, we are compelled to act amiss ourselves.

Wherefore let every man avoid excess of self-love, and condescend to follow a better man than himself, not allowing any false shame to stand in the way.

There are also minor precepts which are often repeated, and are quite as useful; a man should recollect them and remind himself of them.

For when a stream is flowing out, there should be water flowing in too; and recollection flows in while wisdom is departing.