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
It was the first and most striking characteristic of Socrates never to become heated in discourse, never to utter an injurious or insulting word -- on the contrary, he persistently bore insult from others and thus put an end to the fray.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Socrates exemplified calmness and restraint in discussions, choosing to avoid insults and rage.
This quote highlights Socrates' remarkable ability to maintain composure during debates and conflicts. Rather than reciprocating insults or escalating tensions, he practiced patience and restraint, which not only demonstrated his character but also helped defuse conflicts, encouraging a more civil exchange of ideas. Epictetus admires this trait, suggesting that true wisdom lies in remaining unbothered by provocation and responding with dignity.
Themes
SocratesCalmnessRestraintDebateDiscourseInsultsWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophy debate, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of maintaining composure.
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
Similar quotes
What is all this juice and all this joy?_x000D_ _x000D_ A strain of the earth's sweet being in the beginning_x000D_ _x000D_ In Eden garden.-Have, get, before it cloy,_x000D_ _x000D_ Before it cloud, Christ, lord, and sour with sinning,_x000D_ _x000D_ Innocent mind and Mayday in girl and boy,_x000D_ _x000D_ Most, O maid's child, thy choice and worthy the winning.
Gerard Manley HopkinsRead
I have long since passed that period when I felt personal discomfort at the sight of an ill-dressed or illiterate Negro. Social awareness has taught me where to lay the blame.
Lorraine HansberryRead
There must be some kind of way out of here,' said the joker to the thief.
Bob DylanRead
The ascent to the divine Life is the human journey, the Work of works, the acceptable Sacrifice. This alone is man's real business in the world and the justification of his existence, without which he would only be an insect crawling among the ephemeral insects on a speck of surface mud and water which has managed to form itself amid the appalling immensities of the physical universe.
Sri AurobindoRead
The mind is the Buddha, and the Buddha is the mind.
BodhidharmaRead
What need is there to weep over parts of life? The whole of it calls for tears.
Seneca The YoungerRead