First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.
About this quote
- Attributed to
- Epictetus
- Source
- Discourses / Book III, III.23.1
- Culture / tradition
- Greek
- Attribution status
- ✓ Verified source
- Verification
- Primary reference
Photo: Frank Schulenburg · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source · Portrait: William Sonmans (1650–1708) Alternative names Wilhelm Sonmans; Wilhelm Sunman; William Sunman; Sonmans; Willem Sunman; Willem Sonmans (Public domain)
Which emotion have you been carrying silently?
Keep one promise you made to yourself.
Join to journal, save & shareCreate a share imageWatch & listen
Former Navy SEAL David Goggins on how to reach your full potential
Jocko Willink "GOOD" (Official)
Terry Crews Speaks Out Against Toxic Masculinity
More from Epictetus & related wisdom
When one asked him what boys should learn, "That," said he, "which they shall use when men."
The Master said, 'The superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.'
There is timing in everything. Timing in strategy cannot be mastered without a great deal of practice.
You can win with certainty with the spirit of "one cut". It is difficult to attain this if you do not learn strategy well. If you train well in this Way, strategy will come from your heart and you will be able to win at will. You must train diligently.
To be fond of learning is to be near to knowledge. To practice with vigor is to be near to magnanimity. To possess the feeling of shame is to be near to energy.
Life is grace. Sleep is forgiveness. The night absolves. Darkness wipes the slate clean, not spotless to be sure, but clean enough for another day's chalking.
