then you may be sure that you have begun the work.

CLXXVI

When you have brought yourself to supply the needs of the body at small cost, do not pique yourself on that, nor if you drink only water, keep saying on each occasion, I drink water! And if you ever want to practise endurance and toil, do so unto yourself and not unto others — do not embrace statues!(18)

(18) As Diogenes is said to have done in winter.

CLXXVII

When a man prides himself on being able to understand and interpret the writings of Chrysippus,(19) say to yourself: —

If Chrysippus had not written obscurely, this fellow would have had nothing to be