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
It is impossible that happiness, and yearning for what is not present, should ever be united.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Happiness cannot coexist with a desire for what one lacks.
In this quote, Epictetus emphasizes the idea that true happiness comes from embracing what we have rather than longing for what we do not possess. The yearning for absent elements in our lives creates a sense of dissatisfaction that hinders our ability to experience joy and contentment in the present moment.
Themes
HappinessYearningContentmentPresentDesire
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about finding joy in the present.
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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RajneeshRead
Happy. Just in my swim shorts, barefooted, wild-haired, in the red fire dark, singing, swigging wine, spitting, jumping, running—that's the way to live. All alone and free in the soft sands of the beach by the sigh of the sea out there, with the Ma-Wink fallopian virgin warm stars reflecting on the outer channel fluid belly waters. And if your cans are redhot and you can't hold them in your hands, just use good old railroad gloves, that's all.
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Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle. Happiness never decreases by being shared.
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Happiness means nothing to me. I just want to have meaning and purpose.
Jon KrakauerRead