46. Do Not Wear the Name, Do the Work

Do not wear the name. Do the work. Epictetus has no patience for the person who talks philosophy instead of living it.

Never call yourself a philosopher.

Do not talk loudly about theories among those who have not studied. Act in a way that fits the theories.

At a dinner, do not speak about how people ought to eat. Eat as you ought.

Remember that in this way Socrates kept himself from all show. When people came to him and asked him to recommend them to other philosophers, he took them and recommended them, so well did he bear being passed over.

If, among those who have not studied, some talk should come up about ideas of philosophy, be silent for the most part. There is great danger in spitting out what you have not yet digested.

If someone tells you that you know nothing, and you are not stung by it, know that you have begun your work.

Sheep do not spit up grass to show the shepherds how much they have eaten. They digest their food inwardly, and outwardly they produce wool and milk.

In the same way, do not show off theories to those who have not studied them.

Show the actions that grow out of them after you have digested them.

What this means. The proof is in what you do, not what you say about what you know. Live the idea. That will speak for it louder than words could.