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
What is a child? Ignorance. What is a child? Want of instruction.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights that a child's lack of knowledge is due to ignorance and a lack of proper guidance.
Epictetus emphasizes that children are not inherently ignorant but rather lack instruction and knowledge. This perspective invites a deeper understanding of the role education and guidance play in a child's development, suggesting that ignorance can be rectified through teaching and experience.
Themes
ChildIgnoranceInstructionEducationLearning
In practice
Example use cases
A teacher could use this quote during a seminar about the importance of early childhood education.
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
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