What have I accomplished except to make myself a target for my enemies? All I've done is show people who hate me exactly where to hurt me. Look at those who praise your speaking skills, who want your money, who try to win your favor, or who boast about your power. All of these people either are your enemies already, or they might as well be. The number of people who envy you equals the number who admire you. Why don't I look for something good that I can actually use and enjoy, instead of something I can just show off? These things that people stare at in amazement, that draw crowds, that leave people pointing and speechless with wonder — they look brilliant on the outside. But inside, they make their owners miserable.
what have I effected save to make myself a mark for the arrows of my enemies, and show those who hate me where to wound me? Do you see those who praise your eloquence, who covet your wealth, who court your favour, or who vaunt your power? All these either are, or, which comes to the same thing, may be your enemies: the number of those who envy you is as great as that of those who admire you; why do I not rather seek for some good thing which I can use and feel, not one which I can show? these good things which men gaze at in wonder, which they crowd to see, which one points out to another with speechless admiration, are outwardly brilliant, but within are miseries to those who possess them."