A programme of action

Chapter XLVI, Enchiridion

Never proclaim yourself a philosopher, nor make much talk among the ignorant about your principles, but show them by actions. Thus, at an entertainment, do not discourse how people ought to eat, but eat as you ought. For remember that thus Socrates also universally avoided all ostentation. And when persons came to him and desired to be introduced by him to philosophers, he took them and introduced them; so well did he bear being overlooked. So if ever there should be among the ignorant any discussion of principles, be for the most part silent. For there is great danger in hastily throwing out what is undigested. And if anyone tells you that you know nothing, and you are not nettled at it, then you may be sure that you have really entered on your work. For sheep do not hastily throw up the grass to show the shepherds how much they have eaten, but, inwardly digesting their food, they produce it outwardly in wool and milk. Thus, therefore, do you not make an exhibition before the ignorant of your principles, but of the actions to which their digestion gives rise.

Thoughts

a. Actions speak louder than words. Life is a programme of action. Never declare you are a philosopher and talk philosophically with the uneducated. The latter will only take notice of your actions not your principles.

b. Be judged on your daily actions not your utterances. This prompts the questions ; what are the correct behaviours? What are my norms, attitudes, and beliefs which drive them?

c. Example more important than idle discourse. Do not talk about how you should eat, do it!

d.Avoid ostentation (showiness) at all costs. Be low key in your approach and do not seek attention or praise. People are entitled to their opinion, entitled to be wrong. Their speech is not a controllable.

e. When with people who are ignorant on the topic, remain silent if impossible. If you must speak, do so minimally.

f. If you are not annoyed by ‘you know nothing’, while remaining silent or contributing little, you are on the right course. We can not be annoyed if we choose not to be. It is a controllable. It also takes their power away.

g. Do not discuss principles with people who have not digested the principles and fully comprehend their content. It is a waste of time, energy and may cause ire. The genius is having the wisdom to know your company and their talents.

h. Again the product of digesting the principles should be readily observed in your actions.

i. Displaying or exhibiting your principles to ignorant people is akin to sheep throwing up the grass they have eaten, on the request on the Shepard. It is a waste of digestion or wisdom, and produces nothing worthwhile. No wool or milk for cheese!

j. Elite sports’ people should refrain from talking about themselves and be judged by their performances? Low key silent approach, few interviews and avoid publicity? Holds for all areas of human endeavours.

k. Never proclaim your expertise especially with others who are ignorant of your principles or level of expertise.

l. Be humble like Socrates when others asked to be introduced to philosophers. He did so even though he probably was the greatest among them.