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
Difficulties are things that show a person what they are.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Difficulties reveal a person's true character and abilities.
This quote by Epictetus suggests that challenges and hardships serve as a mirror, reflecting an individual's true nature and strength. It implies that how one responds to difficulties can reveal deeper personal qualities and resilience that may not be apparent in easy times.
Themes
DifficultiesCharacterChallengesResilienceTrials
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational talk about overcoming life's challenges.
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
There is no normal life that is free of pain. It's the very wrestling with our problems that can be the impetus for our growth.
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In such doubtful matters, where you have to work as a pioneer, you must be able to put some trust in your intuition and follow your feeling even at the risk of going wrong.
Carl JungRead
The calm man is not the man who is dull. You must not mistake Sattva for dullness or laziness. The calm man is the one who has control over the mind waves. Activity is the manifestation of inferior strength, calmness, of the superior.
Swami VivekanandaRead
The value of actions lies in their timing.
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Only by acceptance of the past, can you alter it
T. S. EliotRead
Stupid β well, there are so many kinds of stupidity, and cleverness is one of the worst.
Thomas MannRead