Obedience to authority was stressed, because the cure was not wholly pleasant. It easily aroused resistance, since many of the pupil’s preferences could prove to be empty desires and call for harsh criticism. The pupil had to understand that resistance was a symptom of the sickness and that the doctor, rather than the confused patient, knew what was good and what was not with respect to enduring happiness. Philodemus wrote: for it is necessary to show him his errors forthrightly and speak of his failings publicly. For if he has considered this man to be the one guide of right speech and [action], whom he calls the only saviour and to whom, citing the phrase ‘with him accompanying me’, he has given himself over to be treated, then how is he not going to show to him those things in which he need s treatment, and [accept admonishment]? (On Frank Criticism, fr. 40)