what is just, and as if it were done by one who assigns to each thing its
value. Observe then as thou hast begun; and whatever thou dost, do it in
conjunction with this, the being good, and in the sense in which a man is
properly understood to be good. Keep to this in every action.

11. 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.

12. 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
any one 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.

13. Hast thou reason? I have.--Why then dost not thou use it? For if this
does its own work, what else dost thou wish?

14. Thou hast existed as a part. Thou shalt disappear in that which
produced thee; but rather thou shalt be received back into its seminal
principle by transmutation.

15. Many grains of frankincense on the same altar: one falls before,
another falls after; but it makes no difference.

16. Within ten days thou wilt seem a god to those to whom thou art now a
beast and an ape, if thou wilt return to thy principles and the worship
of reason.