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Other people's views and troubles can be contagious. Don't sabotage yourself by unwittingly adopting negative, unproductive attitudes through your associations with others.
Epictetus
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Be mindful of the influence others have on your mindset and attitudes.

This quote by Epictetus emphasizes the importance of being aware of how the opinions and challenges of others can affect our own mental state and behavior. It serves as a reminder to maintain a positive and productive mindset by carefully choosing associations that uplift rather than bring us down.

Themes

InfluenceMindsetAttitudeAssociationsNegativity

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech about the importance of maintaining a positive outlook.

More from Epictetus

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.
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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.
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The people have a right to the truth as they have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
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Practice yourself, for heaven's sake, in little things, and thence proceed to greater.
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