If thou wouldst advance, be content to let people think thee senseless and foolish as regards external things. Wish not ever to seem wise, and if ever thou shalt find thyself accounted to be somebody, then mistrust thyself. For know that it is not easy to make a choice that shall agree both with outward things and with Nature, but it must needs be that he who is careful of the one shall neglect the other.
If you want to make progress, be content to let people think you ignorant and foolish about external things. Never wish to appear wise. If you ever find yourself regarded as someone important, distrust yourself. Know that it is not easy to make choices that satisfy both external demands and Nature. Whoever takes care of one must neglect the other.