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
Living a good life leads to enduring happiness. Goodness in and of itself is the practice AND the reward.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A good life filled with goodness results in true happiness, where practicing kindness is both the act and the benefit.
This quote by Epictetus emphasizes the intrinsic connection between living a morally good life and experiencing lasting happiness. It suggests that the act of being good—treating others with kindness and integrity—is not only worthwhile in itself but also serves as a source of personal satisfaction and joy, reinforcing the idea that virtue and happiness are deeply intertwined.
Themes
HappinessGoodnessVirtueLifeReward
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about ethics in business.
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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Act as if you were already happy and that will tend to make you happy.
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But the rest are even scared to open up and laugh. You know, that's the first thing that got me about this place, that there wasn't anybody laughing. I haven't heard a real laugh since I came through that door, do you know that? Man, when you lose your laugh you lose your footing.
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