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
Unless we place our religion and our treasure in the same thing, religion will always be sacrificed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True commitment to one's beliefs requires aligning one's values with their actions and priorities.
Epictetus emphasizes the importance of consistency between one's religious beliefs and what they value most in life. If a person prioritizes material wealth or other treasures over their faith, their religion becomes secondary and risks being compromised. To truly embody one's beliefs, there must be a unified commitment that places them on the same pedestal as other important aspects of life.
Themes
ReligionTreasureCommitmentValuesBeliefs
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about faith and values, one might cite Epictetus to illustrate the importance of aligning spiritual beliefs with personal priorities.
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
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