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
Your master is he who controls that on which you have set your heart or wish to avoid.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True mastery comes from understanding and controlling your desires and aversions.
This quote by Epictetus emphasizes the importance of internal control over external situations. It suggests that the true 'master' in your life is not an external authority, but rather your own ability to manage your desires and aversions, indicating that personal empowerment comes from within rather than from external circumstances or influences.
Themes
MasteryControlDesiresPhilosophyEmpowerment
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about self-discipline.
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
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So you find yourself surrounded by death and horror in the world, and you escape it into lust. But lust has no duration; it leaves you again in the desert.
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