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
If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Embracing ignorance is a crucial step toward personal growth and improvement.
This quote by Epictetus emphasizes that to truly grow and improve oneself, one must be willing to face ridicule and judgment from others. It suggests that the fear of being perceived as foolish can hinder personal development, and accepting this risk is essential for learning and advancing in life.
Themes
ImprovementGrowthWisdomFoolishnessLearning
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech at a school graduation.
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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Character, in great and little things, means carrying through what you feel able to do.
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The burden which is well borne becomes light.
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The wise man puts himself last and finds himself first.
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Being a good steward of your pain. . . . It involves being alive to your life. It involves taking the risk of being open, of reaching out, of keeping in touch with the pain as well as the joy of what happens because at no time more than at a painful time do we live out of the depths of who we are instead of out of the shallows.
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My mother said, "Money is a great slave but a horrible master." It was her version of a French proverb.
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If water derives lucidity from stillness, how much more the faculties of the mind.
ZhuangziRead