I think this is why Democritus taught that "anyone who wants to live peacefully shouldn't take on too much business, either public or private." Of course, he meant unnecessary business. When duty calls, we should handle not just a lot of business, but endless amounts — both public and private. But when no serious obligation requires us to act, we're better off staying quiet. Someone who does many things often puts himself at Fortune's mercy. It's safest not to tempt her too often. Always remember she exists, and never promise yourself anything based on her reliability.
It was, I imagine, following out this principle that Democritis taught that “he who would live at peace must not do much business either public or private,” referring of course to unnecessary business: for if there be any necessity for it we ought to transact not only much but endless business, both public and private; in cases, however, where no solemn duty invites us to act, we had better keep ourselves quiet: for he who does many things often puts himself in Fortune’s power, and it is safest not to tempt her often, but always to remember her existence, and never to promise oneself anything on her security.