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
It’s time to stop being vague. If you wish to be an extraordinary person, if you wish to be wise, then you should explicitly identify the kind of person you aspire to become.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Be clear about your aspirations to achieve greatness and wisdom.
This quote emphasizes the importance of clarity in one's personal goals and aspirations. It suggests that in order to become an extraordinary individual and gain wisdom, one must declare and define the specific qualities and traits they wish to develop, rather than remaining vague or uncertain about their path.
Themes
AspirationWisdomClarityExtraordinaryIdentity
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about self-improvement.
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.
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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In all affairs it's a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted.
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