The universal cause is like a winter torrent: it carries everything along with it. But how worthless are all these poor people who are engaged in matters political, and, as they suppose, are playing the philosopher! All drivellers. Well then, man: DOGMAdo what nature now requires. EXERCISESet thyself in motion, if it is in thy power, and DOGMAdo not look about thee to see if any one will observe it; nor yet expect PERSONPlato's Republic: but be content if the smallest thing goes on well, and consider such an event to be no small matter. For who can change men's opinions? And without a change of opinions what else is there than the slavery of men who groan while they pretend to obey? Come now and tell me of PERSONAlexander and Philip¹ and Demetrius of Phalerum². They themselves shall judge whether they discovered what the TERMcommon nature required, and trained themselves accordingly. But if they acted like tragedy heroes, no one has condemned me to imitate them. Simple and modest is the work of philosophy. Draw me not aside to indolence and pride.

The substance of the Whole is a winter torrent — it sweeps everything along. And how paltry these political affairs, and these little men who fancy they are acting like philosophers — full of drivel. Man! DOGMADo what nature now demands. EXERCISESet out, if it is granted, and DOGMAdo not look around to see if anyone will notice. Do not hope for PERSONPlato's Republic, but be content if the smallest thing moves forward, and count even that outcome no small thing. For who will change their opinions? And without a change of opinions, what is there but the slavery of people who groan and pretend to obey? Go on now, cite me PERSONAlexander and Philip and Demetrius of Phalerum: they shall see for themselves whether they discerned what the TERMcommon nature willed and schooled themselves — but if they played it as tragedy, no one has condemned me to imitate them. Simple and modest is the work of philosophy; do not drag me off into pomposity.