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The essence of good and evil is a certain disposition of the will.
Epictetus
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Good and evil stem from the intentions and choices we make.

Epictetus suggests that the concepts of good and evil are not inherent traits of actions or events, but rather they reflect the disposition of our will. It is our intentions and the choices we make that ultimately define our moral character and how we perceive right from wrong.

Themes

GoodEvilWillDispositionPhilosophy

In practice

Example use cases

A motivational speech discussing the nature of morality.

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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.
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The people have a right to the truth as they have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
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Practice yourself, for heaven's sake, in little things, and thence proceed to greater.
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