a man is properly understood to be good. Keep to this in every action.
Do not have such an opinion of things as he has who does thee wrong, or such as he wishes thee to have, but look at them as they are in truth.
A man should always have these two rules in readiness;
- the one, to do only whatever the reason of the ruling and legislating faculty may suggest for the use of men;
- the other, to change thy opinion, if there is anyone at hand who sets thee right and moves thee from any opinion.
But this change of opinion must proceed only from a certain persuasion, as of what is just or of common advantage, and the like, not because it appears pleasant or brings reputation.
Hast thou reason? I have.—Why then dost not thou use it? For if this does its own work, what else dost thou wish?