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Quote by Epictetus

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The Discourses

A comprehensive treatise that delves into the principles of governance, human nature, and the pursuit of virtue more

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Epictetus
Epictetus

Epictetus was a renowned Greek philosopher born in 55 AD and died in 135 AD. He founded the Stoic school of philosophy, emphasizing the importance of reason, morality, and self-control, which had a profound impact on subsequent philosophy. more

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“If you want to influence a country’s intellectual trend, the first step is to bring order to your own ideas and integrate them into a consistent case. Knowledge necessarily includes the ability to apply abstract principles in specific issues, to demonstrate them, and to advocate a consistent course of action. What is required is honesty - intellectual honesty, which consists in knowing what one does know, constantly expanding one’s knowledge, and never evading or failing to correct a contradiction”

“There is a moment in conversation - and I wish it came more often - when we change gear; it is usually getting late, and somebody takes a risk. Gradually, intimate trust and relaxation have met; perhaps we have had a few glasses of wine ... We lean forward: ‘Here's how I *really* see life’; ‘To be completely honest, this is what I think.’ We have cut loose from complaint , from defence, from the clever display of information. Now it's what we love, what we hold dear; what it is like to be you. In pursuit of romance, this would be the moment when flirtation has succeeded: it is no longer a question of teasing and probing while keeping one eye on the exit. We know we do not need the getaway car any more. One life opens to another life.”