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
Who are those people by whom you wish to be admired? Are they not these whom you are in the habit of saying that they are mad? What then? Do you wish to be admired by the mad?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote questions the value of seeking admiration from those we consider irrational or misguided.
Epictetus challenges us to reflect on the nature of our desires for approval. He suggests that if we aspire to be admired by those we recognize as 'mad' or foolish, we should reconsider the worth of that admiration. The quote emphasizes the importance of aligning our aspirations for respect and admiration with values that are rational and meaningful.
Themes
AdmirationWisdomSelf-ReflectionApprovalValues
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophy class discussion about the nature of admiration and its implications for personal values.
More from Epictetus
All quotes →Learn 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.
EpictetusRead
Practice yourself, for heaven's sake, in little things, and thence proceed to greater.
EpictetusRead
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