One must choose between Obscurity with Efficiency, and Fame with its inevitable collateral of Bluff.

While fame impedes and constricts, obscurity wraps about a man like a mist; obscurity is dark, ample, and free; obscurity lets the mind take its way unimpeded. Over the obscure man is poured the merciful suffusion of darkness. None knows where he goes or comes. He may seek the truth and speak it; he alone is free; he alone is truthful, he alone is at peace.

There is an inevitable divergence between the world as it is and the world as men perceive it.

One must choose in life between boredom and suffering.

She dwelt among the untrodden ways Beside the springs of Dove, A maid whom there were none to praise And very few to love.

By the aid of philosophy you will live not unpleasantly, for you will learn to extract pleasure from all places and things: wealth will make you happy, because it will enable you to benefit many; and poverty, as you will not then have many anxieties; and glory, for it will make you honoured; and obscurity, for you will then be safe from envy.