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
Keep silence for the most part, and speak only when you must, and then briefly.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Value silence and speak thoughtfully when necessary.
This quote by Epictetus emphasizes the importance of restraint in communication. It suggests that silence is often more beneficial than unnecessary chatter, and when one does speak, it should be done with purpose and brevity, reflecting a wise approach to dialogue and interactions.
Themes
SilenceCommunicationWisdomRestraintThoughtfulness
In practice
Example use cases
During a meeting, one might reference this quote to advocate for concise contributions.
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
Similar quotes
Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday.
Mary SchmichRead
For life: it is rather a determination not to be overwhelmed. For work: the truth can only be recalled, never invented.
Marilyn MonroeRead
In an economy where the only certainty is uncertainty, the one sure source of lasting competitive advantage is knowledge.
Ikujiro NonakaRead
The moment you become miserly you are closed to the basic phenomenon of life: expansion, sharing. The moment you start clinging to things, you have missed the target--you have missed. Because things are not the target, you, your innermost being, is the target--not a beautiful house, but a beautiful you; not much money, but a rich you; not many things, but an open being, available to millions of things.
RajneeshRead
Anxiety is sort of the opposite of ego. You're so sure you'll do everything wrong you're afraid to do anything at all. It results from over-motivation- leading to errors that lead to an underestimation of one's self. Work out your anxieties on paper and read. This calms the mind.
Robert M. PirsigRead
Better than a meaningless story of a thousand words is a single word of deep meaning which, when heard, produces peace.
Gautama BuddhaRead