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
To live a life of virtue, match up your thoughts, words, and deeds.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s inner beliefs with outward actions and words.
Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, highlights the necessity of integrity and authenticity in one’s life. To truly live virtuously, it is essential that an individual’s thoughts, spoken words, and actions are congruent with one another. This alignment fosters inner peace and genuine relationships, as it showcases a person's true character and values.
Themes
VirtueThoughtsWordsDeedsIntegrityAuthenticity
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a motivational speech about personal development.
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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