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
Why, do you not know, then, that the origin of all human evils, and of baseness, and cowardice, is not death, but rather the fear of death?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that the fear of death, rather than death itself, is the root of many human problems.
Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, argues that human suffering, moral failures, and cowardice are primarily driven by the fear of death rather than death itself. This perspective invites individuals to confront their fears to overcome the anxieties and weaknesses that impede a virtuous life.
Themes
FearDeathCouragePhilosophyLife
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about overcoming fears.
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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