Ch. 18
That we ought not to be disturbed by any news.
WHEN any thing shall be reported to you which is of a
nature to disturb, have this principle in readiness, that
the news is about nothing which is within the power of
your will. Can any man report to you that you have
formed a bad opinion, or had a bad desire? By no means.
But perhaps he will report that some person is dead.
What then is that to you? He may report that some
person speaks ill of you. What then is that to you? Or
that your father is planning something or other. Against
whom? Against your will (προαίρεσις)? How can he?
But is it against your poor body, against your little pro-
[p. 240]
perty? You are quite safe: it is not against you. But
the judge declares that you have committed an act of
impiety. And did not the judges (δίκασται) make the same
declaration against Socrates? Does it concern you that
the judge has made this declaration? No. Why then do
you trouble yourself any longer about it? Your father
has a certain duty, and if he shall not fulfil it, he loses
the character of a father, of a man of natural affection, of
gentleness. Do not wish him to lose any thing else on
this account. For never does a man do wrong in one
thing, and suffer in another. On the other side it is your
duty to make your defence firmly, modestly, without
anger: but if you do not, you also lose the character of
a son, of a man of modest behavior, of generous character.
Well then, is the judge free from danger? No; but he
also is in equal danger. Why then are you still afraid of
his decision? What have you to do with that which is
another man's evil? It is your own evil to make a bad
defence: be on your guard against this only. But to be
condemned or not to be condemned, as that is the act of
another person, so it is the evil of another person. A cer-
tain person threatens you. Me? No. He blames you.
Let him see how he manages his own affairs. He is going
to condemn you unjustly. He is a wretched man.
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