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
I laugh at those who think they can damage me. They do not know who I am, they do not know what I think, they cannot even touch the things which are really mine and with which I live.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the strength of self-identity and resilience against external criticism or harm.
Epictetus highlights the importance of knowing oneself and the futility of worrying about the opinions or actions of others. Those who attempt to damage an individual do not understand the true essence of that person, nor can they affect the internal strengths or values that truly matter and define one's life.
Themes
Self-IdentityResilienceInner StrengthOpinionCriticism
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about building resilience against criticism.
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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