Ask how I got this news, who has told me your thoughts, that you had not told anyone? It has done so who knows everything, the public voice. "What? Are so important to raise the chatter of the people?" You should not be measured according to Rome, but the place where you live. All that is different from what surrounds it, is great in that area, the size has to a certain extent: the comparison of the stands or falls. A boat on the river looks great, it becomes small at sea, a rudder, a large vessel and small to another. Now you are in the province, although will diminish, you're great. People want to know, and know, what you do, like meals, as you sleep: So you have to live with more caution. Feel happy only when you live in public, when the walls will be used to repair, not to hide, usually, however, we do not have them around to increase our security, but better to hide our sins. I'll tell you one thing from which you can judge our morality: you will not be easy to find one able to live with the door open. The guards at the gates in front of the house has made them not to put the pride, but our bad conscience: we live in such a way that suddenly being seen means being caught out. But what use to hide and avoid eyes and ears of others? The good conscience call themselves the people, the bad news is anxious and worried even in solitude. If your actions are honest, know all, if shameful, what does it matter that nobody knows, if you know them? Poor you if you do not keep account of this witness! Goodbye.
Seneca letter book 43 V
