Who is there who does wrong who is not convicted by his own conscience as if he were in a court of justice, even though no man correct him?
About advisers.
The words of Philo, from the Questions in Genesis.
Since the mind of those who have not studied philosophy is blind with respect to many of the circumstances of life, one must take those who do see the character of affairs for one’s guides.
About hasty talkers.
The words of Philo.
He who has not shame or fear for his companions, has an unbridled mouth and a licentious tongue.
About perfection.
The words of Philo.
Perfection and an absence of deficiency are found in God alone. But deficiency and imperfection exist in every man. For man is taught, even if he be the wisest of his race, by some other man, and he knows nothing without being taught by his own nature. And if one man has more knowledge than another, still he has it not naturally, but because of instruction which he has received.
About those who think lowlily of themselves.
The words of Philo.
These things are proved to be most completely natural, that the descent of the soul is its elation by means of self-conceit, and that its ascent and elevation is its return from arrogance.
From the same author.
It is desirable to eradicate self-conceit, which is the friend of endurance, and prudence, and justice, {8}{it is evident that there is great corruption in this and the next sentence.} and also to destroy overbearing pride; for it is no small proof and exercise of folly to study virtue in an illegitimate manner.
From the same author.
If you are puffed up by glory and authority so as to desire great things, then remember, like the skilful pilot of a ship, to take in your sails, that you may not be carried away into absurd conduct.
About sleep.
The words of Philo.
Sleep, according to the prophet, is a trance, not indeed in accordance with insanity, but proceeding from a relaxation of the outward senses and the retreat of reason; for at that time the outward senses cease from attaching themselves to their proper objects, and the mind is quiet, neither being any longer under the influence nor affording any motion to them, and they, being in consequence cut off from any energy because they are separated from the objects which are perceptible to them, are dissolved in a state of motionless inactivity.
From the same author.
Very naturally some who have been wise enough to arrive at correct notions of the truth, have described sleep as a thing to teach us to meditate upon death, and a shadow and outline of the resurrection which is hereafter to follow, for it bears in itself visible images of both conditions, for it removes the same man from his state of perfection and brings him back to it.
About promises, etc.
The words of Philo.
It is better absolutely never to make any promise at all than not to assist another willingly, for no blame attaches to the one, but great dislike on the part of those who are less powerful, and intense hatred and long enduring punishment from those who are more powerful, is the result of the other line of conduct.
About haughty men, etc.
From the first book of the Sacred Allegory of the Holy Laws.
Some persons say that the last thing which the wise man puts off is the tunic of vain glory, for even if a man gets the mastery over his other passions, still he is inclined by nature to be influenced by glory and the praises of the multitude.
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