"XENOCRATES
In modern language, the ancient Greek philosopher Xenocrates said something
like this: 'You have a philosophy of life? All right. Let's see what it
does for you. Let's see how it influences your daily conduct. Does it make
you a good and a pleasant human being? Does it keep you calm in a crisis?
Does it provide accurate guidance and effortless action? Test your
philosophy in everyday affairs. Honestly, now, how much is it worth?'
This frank talk has considerable value, for it refuses to go along with
self-deception and compromise. It enables a man to make a decision. The
wise man decides in favour of himself, not in favour of wordy philosophies.
When do we have a true philosophy? When there is no difference between the
philosophy and the philosopher."
Encyclopedia of Eternal Knowledge, p. 243 (Original version)
p. 236 (Current version)
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