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.
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
I'm a spokesman for myself. It just so happens that there's a bunch of people that are concerned with what I have to say. I find that frightening at times because I'm just as confused as most people. I don't have the answers for anything.
Kurt CobainRead
We objected to the morality because it interfered with our sexual freedom.
Aldous HuxleyRead
Feeling that morality has nothing to do with the way you use the resources of the world is an idea that can't persist much longer. If it does, then we won't.
Barbara KingsolverRead
I have always sought to guide the future-but it is very lonely sometimes trying to play God.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.Read
Anyone can lie. One need only have the requisite intention - in other words, to say something with the intention to deceive. Faking, by contrast, is an achievement. To fake things you have to take people in, yourself included.
Roger ScrutonRead
Perhaps my whisper was already born before my lips.
Osip MandelstamRead