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
Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on what you can control and accept what you cannot.
This quote by Epictetus emphasizes the importance of recognizing the limits of our control. It encourages individuals to make the most of their abilities and resources while also promoting acceptance of external factors beyond their influence, suggesting a balanced approach to lifeβs challenges.
Themes
ControlAcceptanceWisdomPowerLife
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about resilience and adaptability.
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.
EpictetusRead
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
Similar quotes
It is not the cares of today, but the cares of tomorrow, that weigh a man down. For the needs of today we have corresponding strength given. For the morrow we are told to trust. It is not ours yet. It is when tomorrow's burden is added to the burden of today that the weight is more than a man can bear.
George MacdonaldRead
Your souls are precious and can only be equal to the price of Paradise, therefore sell them only at that price
Ali Ibn Abi TalibRead
An easy life does not make men, nor does it build nations. Challenges make men, and it is these men who build nations.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al MaktoumRead
Maybe I'm just a slow learner or something, but I like to have things laid out as plainly and simply as possible.
Walter CronkiteRead
In dwelling, live close to the ground._x000D_ _x000D_ In thinking, keep to the simple._x000D_ _x000D_ In conflict, be fair and generous._x000D_ _x000D_ In governing, don't try to control._x000D_ _x000D_ In work, do what you enjoy._x000D_ _x000D_ In family life, be completely present.
LaoziRead
The sign of vigour, the sign of life, the sign of hope, the sign of health, the sign of everything that is good, is strength. As long as the body lives, there must be strength in the body, strength in the mind, [and strength] in the hand.
Swami VivekanandaRead