First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.
Epictetus Discourses, Book III, §23 (108 CE) Translated by Robert Dobbin
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When and why it was written
- When
- Around 108 CE, from lecture notes taken by Epictetus's student Arrian.
- Why
- Epictetus ran a school. This is addressed to students who wanted to be thought of as philosophers.
What it means
The order is the argument. Character first, then conduct, because conduct without a settled aim drifts toward whatever the room rewards.
Epictetus was blunt with students who had it backwards, performing the behaviour of a philosopher in the hope of becoming one. He is asking for a decision made in private and then made expensive to abandon.
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Discourses, 108 CE
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