If you want to appear wise then become wise...

If it should ever happen to you that you turn to externals with a view to pleasing someone, rest assured that you have lost your plan of life. Be content, therefore, in everything to be a philosopher, and if you wish also to be taken for one, show to yourself that you are one, and you will be able to accomplish it.

Commentary

This passage clearly follows on from the theme of the previous one: what it means to become wise. If you ever find that you’ve become preoccupied with external things, such as wealth or reputation, because you’re trying to please someone else then realize that you have turned your back on philosophy. Just focus on the pursuit of wisdom.

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