The Athenians prayed like this: 'O rain, rain, good Jupiter, on all the grounds and fields that belong to the Athenians.' Either we should not pray at all, or we should pray this way — simply and openly, not just for ourselves alone.
The form of the Athenians' prayer did run thus: 'O rain, rain, good Jupiter, upon all the grounds and fields that belong to the Athenians.' Either we should not pray at all, or thus absolutely and freely; and not every one for himself in particular alone.
Someone might object: 'But a rational person should understand what they're doing.' They say it's natural for social beings to be aware of their good deeds. They want the person they help to notice too. What you say is true, but you miss the real point. You're one of those people I mentioned before. You're fooled by something that only seems reasonable. If you truly want to understand what I'm saying, don't worry. You won't stop doing good for others.
'Nay but,' will some reply perchance, 'this very thing a rational man is bound unto, to understand what it is, that he doeth.' For it is the property, say they, of one that is naturally sociable, to be sensible, that he doth operate sociably: nay, and to desire, that the party him self that is sociably dealt with, should be sensible of it too. I answer, That which thou sayest is true indeed, but the true meaning of that which is said, thou dost not understand. And therefore art thou one of those first, whom I mentioned. For they also are led by a probable appearance of reason. But if thou dost desire to understand truly what it is that is said, fear not that thou shalt therefore give over any sociable action.