If you want to make progress, put up with being perceived as ignorant or naive in worldly matters, don't aspire to a reputation for sagacity. If you do impress others as somebody, don't altogether believe it. You have to realize, it isn't easy to keep your will in agreement with nature, as well as externals. Caring about the one inevitably means you are going to shortchange the other. Epictetus
About This Quote

When we care about the opinions of others, we are often unaware of their true motives. As a result, it can be difficult to make progress or maintain our beliefs in the face of the outside world. Those who strive for personal satisfaction often sacrifice their values in favor of what others think. This is dangerous because even if you are able to keep your values in check, you may fail to live up to the expectations of others.

Source: The Art Of Living: The Classical Manual On Virtue, Happiness And Effectiveness

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