15
Be not fond of violent mirth, nor harbor presumption of speech; for the one is folly, the other madness.Cf. Lord Chesterfield, Letters , 144: “Frequent and loud laughter is characteristic of folly and ill manners.” Whatever is shameful to do you must not consider it honorable even to mention. Accustom yourself to be, not of a stern, but of a thoughtful, mien; for through the former you will be thought self-willed, through the latter, intelligent. Consider that no adornment so becomes you as modesty, justice, and self-control; for these are the virtues by which, as all men are agreed, the character of the young is held in restraint.
16
Never hope to conceal any shameful thing which you have done; for even if you do conceal it from others, your own heart will know. Fear the gods, honor your parents, respect your friends, obey the laws. Pursue the enjoyments which are of good repute; for pleasure attended by honor is the best thing in the world, but pleasure without honor is the worst.Cf. Isoc. 1.46
17
Guard yourself against accusations, even if they are false; for the multitude are ignorant of the truth and look only to reputation. In all things resolve to act as though the whole world would see what you do; for even if you conceal your deeds for the moment, later you will be found out. But most of all will you have the respect of men, if you are seen to avoid doing things which you would blame others for doing.Apparently borrowed from Thales. See Diog. Laert. 1.36 ἐὰν τοῖς ἀλλοις ἐπιτιμῶμεν αὐτοὶ δρῶμεν. Cf. Isoc. 1.14 and note.
