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
Attach yourself to what is spiritually superior, regardless of what other people think or do. Hold to your true aspirations no matter what is going on around you.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Focus on what is meaningful to you, irrespective of others' opinions or circumstances.
This quote by Epictetus emphasizes the importance of aligning oneself with higher spiritual values and personal aspirations. It encourages individuals to remain steadfast in their pursuit of what they believe in, regardless of external distractions or societal pressures. By doing so, one can cultivate inner strength and purpose.
Themes
SpiritualityAspirationsPhilosophyInner StrengthPersonal Growth
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about personal development.
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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The further I wake into this life, the more I realize that God is everywhere and the extraordinary is waiting quietly beneath the skin of all that is ordinary. Light is in both the broken bottle and the diamond, and music is in both the flowing violin and the water dripping from the drainage pipe. Yes, God is under the porch as well as on top of the mountain, and joy is in both the front row and the bleachers, if we are willing to be where we are.
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The welfare of the people in particular has always been the alibi of tyrants.
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Each generation must discover its mission, fulfill it or betray it, in relative opacity.
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My thoughts are whirled like a potter's wheel; I know not where I am nor what I do.
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