Volume 1 - Discourses - Books I - II - College of Stoic Philosophers

BOOK I. n. 26-34places., and had not merely been rubbed down withoil in Bato's * wrestling school. But another wouldhave had even his neck cut off, if he could havelived without his neck. This is what we mean byregard for one's proper character and such is;itsstrength with those who in their deliberationshabitually make it a personal contribution." Comethen,, Epictetus, shave off your beard." 2 If I am aphilosopher, I answer, " ceI will not shave it off." ButI will take off your neck." If that will do you anygood, take it off.Someone " inquired., How, then, shall each of usbecome aware of what isappropriate to his ownproper character? " How comes it, replied he, thatwhen the lion charges, the bull alone is aware of hisown prowess and rushes forward to defend the wholeherd ? Or is it clear that with the possession of theprowess comes immediately the consciousness of italso? And so, among us too, whoever has suchprowess will not be unaware of it. Yet a bulldoes not become a bull all at once, any more than aman becomes noble, but a man must undergo ahe must prepare himself and mustwinter training,3not plunge recklessly into what is inappropriate forhim.Only consider at what price you sell your freedomof will. If you must sell it, man, at least do not sell itcheap. But the great and pre-eminent deed, perhaps,befits others, Socrates and men of his stamp. Whynature for suchthen, pray, if we are endowed by3Ancient armies generally disbanded or went intopermanent quarters during the winter. To continuemilitary training throughout the winter months was indicativeof a sincere and strenuous endeavour.23