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
You are a little soul carrying around a corpse.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that our physical bodies are only temporary vessels for our true essence or soul.
Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher, highlights the distinction between the impermanent physical body and the eternal soul. He implies that while our bodies may age and decay, our inner essence remains unchanged, urging us to focus on nurturing our character and spiritual well-being rather than becoming overly attached to our physical form.
Themes
SoulBodyStoicismEpictetusPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a philosophical discussion on the nature of existence, one might use this quote to illustrate the difference between the physical and the spiritual.
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.
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Men are disturbed not by the things that happen, but by their opinion of the things that happen.
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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.
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The people have a right to the truth as they have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
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Practice yourself, for heaven's sake, in little things, and thence proceed to greater.
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