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
What else can I do, a lame old man, but sing hymns to God? If I were a nightingale, I would do the nightingale's part; if I were a swan, I would do as a swan. But now I am a rational creature, and I ought to praise God. This is my work. I do it, nor will I desert my post, so long as I am allowed to keep it. And I ask you to join me in this same song.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's duty and purpose in life, regardless of circumstances.
Epictetus reflects on the idea that every individual has a role to play and, despite any limitations one may face, it is essential to embrace one's calling. He suggests that whether one is a nightingale or a swan, the essence of being rational means actively engaging in praise and contributing positively. This serves as a reminder to find purpose in one's actions and invite others to do the same.
Themes
DutyPurposeGratitudeRationalityPraiseWork
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech about finding purpose in life.
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
Grief and disappointment are like hate: they make men ugly with self-pity and bitterness. And how selfish they make us too.
Graham GreeneRead
You know, that might be the answer - to act boastfully about something we ought to be ashamed of. That's a trick that never seems to fail.
Joseph HellerRead
I think, in many people's minds, the Confederate battle flag is not only a memorial to our ancestors, which is perfectly OK, but also a symbol of white superiority and an inclination for people to believe that even slavery would've been OK.
Jimmy CarterRead
Bad men cannot make good citizens. A vitiated state of morals, a corrupted public conscience are incompatible with freedom.
Patrick HenryRead
To live as one likes is plebian the noble man aspires to order and law.
Johann Wolfgang Von GoetheRead
(The difficulty over the question of eternal torments lies in) how it is irreconcilable with the Goodness of God, to put any Persons at all upon a necessity of making such an Option, wherein if they choose amiss, the Misery they incur must be irrevocable.
Samuel ClarkeRead