Hardship and Happiness (Ad Marciam De consolatione, Ad Helviam matrem De consolatione, De Consolatione ad Polybium, De Brevitate Vitæ, De Constantia Sapientis, De Tranquillitate Animi, De Otio, De Vita Beata, De Providentia)

by Seneca

Another serious source of anxieties is if you present yourself anxiously and do not show your nature openly to others, as is the life of many, falsified and adjusted for display; for constant watching over ourselves torments us, fearing to be caught other than is usual. We are never free from care if we believe we are being evaluated as often as we are seen; for many things happen to bare men against their will, and even if such cautious concern over oneself succeeds, life is not pleasant or carefree for men living continually under a mask. (2) But what great pleasure is experienced by genuine and ungroomed honesty, thrusting no screen before its habits! Yet even this life suffers the risk of scorn, if everything is laid open to all, since there are those who disdain whatever they have come close to. But virtue runs no risk of being cheapened when it is set before the eyes, and it is better to be scorned for one’s honesty than tormented by constant pretense. Only let us put a limit on it; it makes a great difference whether you live honestly or carelessly.

Well said