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
The world turns aside to let any man pass who knows where he is going.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Knowing your purpose enables you to navigate life effectively and gain respect.
This quote by Epictetus emphasizes the importance of having a clear sense of direction and purpose in life. When a person is confident about their goals and their path, they attract the support and respect of others, as they show determination and clarity that allows them to overcome obstacles and move forward.
Themes
PurposeDirectionConfidenceSuccessRespect
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech, saying this quote can inspire the audience to find their own path.
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
Evils in the journey of life are like the hills which alarm travelers upon their road; they both appear great at a distance, but when we approach them we find that they are far less insurmountable than we had conceived.
Charles Caleb ColtonRead
Waste not fresh tears over old griefs.
EuripidesRead
Really, every woman is an example to me, because as women we go through so much pain. We have to live this perfect life when we are messed up inside. We all go through trials and tribulations.
Mary J. BligeRead
I can and do aspire to be greater than the sum total of my experiences, but I accept my limitations. I willingly accept that we who judge must not deny the differences resulting from experience and heritage but attempt, as the Supreme Court suggests, continuously to judge when those opinions, sympathies and prejudices are appropriate.
Sonia SotomayorRead
You will become a teacher of yourself when for the same things that you blame others, you also blame yourself.
DiogenesRead
No morn ever dawned more favorable than ours did; and no day was every more clouded than the present! Wisdom, and good examples are necessary at this time to rescue the political machine from the impending storm.
George WashingtonRead