What could be more unworthy of a wise person than letting their emotions depend on other people's bad behavior? If that were true, even the great Socrates wouldn't be able to come home with the same calm face he had when he left. And if wise people are supposed to get angry at evil acts and get upset over crimes, then no one would be more miserable than the wise. Their whole life would be spent in anger and grief. When would they ever have a peaceful moment? Every time they step outside, they'd see something worth condemning. They'd have to walk among criminals, greedy people, wastrels, and perverts — people who are proud of their vices. Wherever they look, they'd find something to horrify them.
What, too, can be more unworthy of the wise man, than that his passions should depend upon the wickedness of others? If so, the great Socrates will no longer be able to return home with the same expression of countenance with which he set out. Moreover, if it be the duty of the wise man to be angry at base deeds, and to be excited and saddened at crimes, then is there nothing more unhappy than the wise man, for all his life will be spent in anger and grief. What moment will there be at which he will not see something deserving of blame? whenever he leaves his house, he will be obliged to walk among men who are criminals, misers, spendthrifts, profligates, and who are happy in being so: he can turn his eyes in no direction without their finding something to shock them.