The Direct Path of Living According to Nature

Notes

1. §4.51.1τὴν σύντομον — The feminine accusative singular of the adjective σύντομος (short, concise), with the feminine noun ὁδός (path, way) understood. It refers to a "short cut" or "direct path."
2. §4.51.1ὥστε ... λέγειν καὶ πράσσειν — The construction of ὥστε with the infinitives (λέγειν, πράσσειν) here expresses either result ("with the result that one says and does...") or purpose/tendency ("so as to say and do..."). Given the context of advising a simple life according to nature, it is best understood as a natural consequence or guiding principle resulting from choosing the short path.
3. §4.51.1στραγγείας — The noun στραγγεία originally means "dripping" or "strangury" (difficulty in urination), but metaphorically refers to "loitering," "delay," or "hesitation." It is used here in the metaphorical sense, contrasting with prompt and direct action.
4. §4.51.1οἰκονομίας — Although οἰκονομία primarily means "household management" or "administration," here in an ethical and practical context, it refers to "calculation," "diplomacy," or "scheming"—the artificial maneuvering and management of situations that contrast with a simple, natural life.