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
Whoever then wishes to be free, let him neither wish for anything nor avoid anything which depends on others: if he does not observe this rule, he must be a slave.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True freedom comes from detachment from external desires and influences.
In this quote, Epictetus emphasizes the importance of independence of thought and freedom from external control or desires. He argues that wishing for things that depend on others or trying to avoid them can trap a person, making them a 'slave' to those external circumstances. True freedom is found in relying solely on oneself and one's own will.
Themes
FreedomIndependenceDetachmentPhilosophySelf-Control
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech about finding inner strength.
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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But mostly they were lies I told; it wasn't my fault, I couldn't remember, because it was as though I'd been to one of those supernatural castles visited by characters in legends: once away, you do not remember, all that is left is the ghostly echo of haunting wonder.
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Secrecy is thus, so to speak, a transition stadium between being and not-being.
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