I love a good quote. Something about the brevity and directness of a great quote speaks to my soul. I’m an avid collector and have a running list of seventeen pages that contain quotes from writers, activists, psychoanalysts, and historical figures.
Yet, there are very few Greek guys. So, when I stumbled across this quote from Epictetus, I was surprised at its power and relevance. (Yes, I know Greek philosophers are revered for a reason.)
The ‘neglecting what is within our power’ part of the quote became a catalyst for self-reflection and hopefully fuel for changing my behavior.
The next time I tell myself, “I’m afraid to say the wrong thing,” or when someone else gives me that excuse for not acting in the face of a small (or large) injustice, I have a quote for them (and myself.)
Notes
Epictetus
Stoicism Explained in 3 Minutes