1. If thou set thine heart upon philosophy, prepare straightway to be laughed at and mocked by many who will say, Behold, he has suddenly come back to us a philosopher; or, How came you by that brow of scorn? But do thou cherish no scorn, but hold to those things that seem to thee the best, as one set by God in that place. Remember, too, that if thou abide in that way, those that first mocked thee, the same shall afterwards reverence thee; but if thou yield to them, thou shalt receive double mockery.
1. If you set your heart on philosophy, be ready at once for many people to laugh at you and mock you. They will say, Look, he has suddenly come back to us as a philosopher. Or, Where did you get that scornful look? But do not feel scorn for anyone. Hold to what seems best to you, as someone God has placed in that position. Remember, if you stay on that path, those who first mocked you will later respect you. But if you give in to them, you will be mocked twice as much.
2. If it shall ever happen to thee to be turned to outward things in the desire to please some person, know that thou hast lost thy way of life. Let it be enough for thee in all things to be a philosopher. But if thou desire also to seem one, then seem so to thyself, for this thou canst.
2. If you ever turn your attention to external things to please someone, know that you have lost your way of life. Let it be enough for you to be a philosopher in all things. But if you also want to seem like one, then seem like one to yourself. This is within your power.