Crows pick out the eyes of the dead, when the dead have no longer need of them; but flatterers mar the soul of the living, and her eyes they blind.
EpictetusRead
Authentic happiness is always independent of external conditions.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True happiness comes from within and is not reliant on outside circumstances.
Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, emphasizes that genuine happiness is rooted in one's inner state rather than material or external conditions. This perspective suggests that individuals have the power to cultivate their own sense of joy regardless of their surroundings or life situations, highlighting the importance of self-reflection and internal fulfillment over external validation.
Themes
HappinessInternalStoicismContentmentSelf-Reflection
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about finding joy in difficult times.
More from Epictetus
All quotes βLearn to distinguish what you can and can't control. Within our control are our own opinions, aspirations, desires and the things that repel us. They are directly subject to our influence.
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Men are disturbed not by the things that happen, but by their opinion of the things that happen.
EpictetusRead
Nothing truly stops you. Nothing truly holds you back. For your own will is always within your control. Sickness may challenge your body. But are you merely your body? Lameness may impede your legs. But you are not merely your legs. Your will is bigger than your legs. Your will needn't be affected by an incident unless you let it.
EpictetusRead
The people have a right to the truth as they have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
EpictetusRead
Practice yourself, for heaven's sake, in little things, and thence proceed to greater.
EpictetusRead
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When we are such as He can love without impediment, we shall in fact be happy.
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I am the happiest creature in the world. Perhaps other people have said so before, but not one with such justice. I am happier even than Jane; she only smiles, I laugh.
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It is with happiness as with watches: the less complicated, the less easily deranged.
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I was trying not to be happy, hopeful. I did not believe I deserved happiness or even hope, if you knew my soul.
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To be able to feel the lightest touch really is a gift.
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