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
Every difficulty in life presents us with an opportunity to turn inward and to invoke our own submerged inner resources. The trials we endure can and should introduce us to our strengths.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Challenges help us discover our inner strength and resources.
This quote by Epictetus emphasizes that every challenge we face in life is not just a struggle, but also an opportunity for growth. It encourages us to look inward and tap into the hidden strengths and resources we possess, suggesting that through adversity, we gain self-awareness and resilience.
Themes
DifficultyOpportunityInner StrengthResilienceGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
Sharing this quote during a motivational speech aimed at encouraging people to face their fears.
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.
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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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