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
The essence of good and evil is a certain disposition of the will.
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.
More from Epictetus
All quotes →Learn 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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How many a dispute could have been deflated into a single paragraph if the disputants had dared to define their terms
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