One must […] take refuge in philosophy; this pursuit, not only in the eyes of good men, but also in the eyes of those who are even moderately bad, is a sort of protecting emblem. For speechmaking at the bar, or any other pursuit that claims the people’s attention, wins enemies for a man; but philosophy is peaceful and minds her own business. Men cannot scorn her; she is honoured by every profession, even the vilest among them. Evil can never grow so strong, and nobility of character can never be so plotted against, that the name of philosophy shall cease to be worshipful and sacred.

Philosophy itself, however should be practised with calmness and moderation.

What is a happy (beata) life? Peacefulness and constant tranquillity. Loftiness of mind will bestow this, and consistency which holds fast to good judgement. How are these things reached? If all of truth has been seen, if orderliness, moderation, and seemliness are preserved in action, and [there is] a will which is guiltless and kindly, focussed upon reason and never departing from it, as lovable as it is admirable. To put it in a nutshell for you, the wise man’s mind should be as befits god.