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
No matter where you find yourself, comport yourself as if you were a distinguished person.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Act with dignity and confidence regardless of your circumstances.
This quote by Epictetus encourages individuals to maintain a sense of dignity and self-respect no matter their situation in life. It suggests that our outer demeanor and how we carry ourselves can influence our inner mindset and how others perceive us, emphasizing the importance of self-control and personal integrity.
Themes
DignitySelf-RespectAttitudeConfidencePhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a job interview, one could use this quote to remind themselves to present confidently.
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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The Christian is the most contented man in the world, but he is the least contented with the world. He is like a traveler in an inn, perfectly satisfied with the inn and its accommodation, considering it as an inn, but putting quite out of all consideration the idea of making it his home.
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You can tell the greatness of a man by what makes him angry
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We've been trained to squint into a legal microscope, hoping that we can judge any dispute against the standard of a perfect society where everyone will agree what's fair, and where accidents will be extinct, and risk will be no more.
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Man is the only animal that can remain on friendly terms with the victims he intends to eat until he eats them.
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Hate demands existence, and he who hates has to show his hate in appropriate actions and behaviors; in a sense, he has to become hate. That is why the Americans have substituted discrimination for lynching.
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Being tolerant does not mean that I share another one's belief. But it does mean that I acknowledge another one's right to believe, and obey, his own conscience.
Viktor E. FranklRead