49. Live the Philosophy, Do Not Just Explain It

Do not be impressed by a person who only explains the works of others. The point is to live.

When someone shows off his ability to understand and interpret the works of Chrysippus, say to yourself:

"If Chrysippus had not written obscurely, this person would have had nothing to be vain about. What do I want? To understand nature and follow her. I ask, then, who interprets nature. Finding that Chrysippus does, I go to him. I do not understand his writings. I seek someone to interpret them for me."

In this there is nothing to pride myself on.

When I have found an interpreter, what remains is to use the instruction. That alone is the valuable thing.

If I only admire the interpretation itself, what am I, apart from a grammarian instead of a student of philosophy? Except that, instead of Homer, I am interpreting Chrysippus.

When someone, then, asks me to read Chrysippus to him, I blush, when I cannot show actions that match and keep company with the teaching.

What this means. Do not collect wise words. Live a few of them. That is the only reading that counts.