“There are three kinds of constitution, and an equal number of deviation-forms-perversions, as it were, of them. He is his own best friend, and takes delight in privacy whereas the man of no virtue or ability is his own worst enemy, and is afraid of solitude.” He bears the accidents of life with dignity and grace, making the best of his circumstances, like a skillful general who marshals his limited forces with the strategy of war. A shrill voice and hasty steps come to a man through care. His carriage is sedate, his voice deep, his speech measured he is not given to hurry, for he is concerned about only a few things he is not prone to vehemence, for he thinks nothing very important. He does not speak evil of others, even of his enemies, unless it be to themselves.
It is no concern of his that he should be praised, or that others should be blamed. He never feels malice, and always forgets and passes over injuries. He cannot live in complaisance with others, except it be a friend complaisance is the characteristic of a slave. He is never fired with admiration, since there is nothing great in his eyes. He is open in his dislikes and preferences he talks and acts frankly, because of his contempt for men and things. He does not take part in public displays. To confer a kindness is a mark of superiority to receive one is a mark of subordination. He is of a disposition to do men service, though he is ashamed to have a service done to him. “The wise man does not expose himself needlessly to danger, since there are few things for which he cares sufficiently but he is willing, in great crises, to give even his life-knowing that under certain conditions it is not worth while to live.
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