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
To a longer and worse life, a shorter and better is by all means to be preferred.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A life that is quality over quantity is preferable to one that is long but full of suffering.
Epictetus emphasizes the importance of leading a fulfilling life, suggesting that a life filled with better experiences, even if shorter, is far more valuable than a longer life that lacks quality. This reflects a philosophical viewpoint that prioritizes the essence of living well over merely living long.
Themes
Quality Of LifePhilosophyExistenceValueBetter Life
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a philosophical discussion about the nature of happiness.
More from Epictetus
All quotes βLearn 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.
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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.
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Practice yourself, for heaven's sake, in little things, and thence proceed to greater.
EpictetusRead
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In my youth I stressed freedom, and in my old age I stress order. I have made the great discovery that liberty is a product of order.
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I almost think that hope is for the soul what breathing is for the living organism. Where hope is lacking the soul dries up and withers.
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