Vatican Saying 64

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Translation

Template:Vatican Saying 64

Analysis

This Saying refers once again to the common Epicurean metaphor linking philosophy and medicine: we ought to focus our efforts not on earning the applause of others, but on our own "self-healing". Craving the applause of others is a "3rd category" desire, both unnatural and unnecessary. If others praise us for our actions, so be it. We may accept this approval graciously, without striving for it. This praise should come "automatically", as the spontaneous by-product of our (virtuous) actions; it should not be the motive behind them.

Our main concern instead ought to be our own pursuit of ataraxia, the healing of our soul.

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