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
Practice yourself, for heaven's sake, in little things, and thence proceed to greater.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on mastering small tasks to build the foundation for larger achievements.
Epictetus emphasizes the importance of practicing small, daily tasks as a means to cultivate skills and discipline. By honing our abilities in minor details, we prepare ourselves for greater responsibilities and challenges in life. This approach advocates for gradual progression and the notion that mastery comes through consistent effort, no matter how small the initial steps may seem.
Themes
PracticeSmall ThingsDisciplineGrowthMastery
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal development.
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
Attach yourself to what is spiritually superior, regardless of what other people think or do. Hold to your true aspirations no matter what is going on around you.
EpictetusRead
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His past was fairly blameless; few men could read the rolls of their life with less apprehension; yet he was humbled to the dust by the many ill things he had done, and raised up again into sober and fearful gratitude by the many he had come so near to doing, yet avoided.
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Our greatest fear should not be of failure but of succeeding at things in life that don't really matter.
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He is the best man who, when making his plans, fears and reflects on everything that can happen to him, but in the moment of action is bold.
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