On Peace of Mind, Section 6 — In Plain English

Seneca — The Senator

Before we do anything, we should examine three things. First, ourselves. Second, the work we want to do. Third, the people we'll be working with or for. Most importantly, we need to see ourselves clearly. We usually think we can do more than we actually can. One person gets carried away by their speaking skills. Another expects more from their money than it can deliver. Another puts a weak body through hard work it can't handle. Some people are too shy for public life, which requires thick skin. Some are too proud and stubborn for politics. Some can't control their anger and say foolish things at the smallest slight. Others can't hold back their wit or stop making dangerous jokes. For all these types, staying out of the game is better than playing it. If you're bold, arrogant, and impatient by nature, avoid anything that might tempt you to speak too freely. That kind of freedom will destroy you.

Seneca — The Senator Original

We ought, however, first to examine our own selves, next the business which we propose to transact, next those for whose sake or in whose company we transact it. It is above all things necessary to form a true estimate of oneself, because as a rule we think that we can do more than we are able: one man is led too far through confidence in his eloquence, another demands more from his estate than it can produce, another burdens a weakly body with some toilsome duty. Some men are too shamefaced for the conduct of public affairs, which require an unblushing front: some men's obstinate pride renders them unfit for courts: some cannot control their anger, and break into unguarded language on the slightest provocation: some cannot rein in their wit or resist making risky jokes: for all these men leisure is better than employment: a bold, haughty and impatient nature ought to avoid anything that may lead it to use a freedom of speech which will bring it to ruin.