Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Discourses 1.29 ¶7 — Epictetus
From “On Constancy (Or Firmness)”
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Discourses 1.29 ¶7
Well then, ought we to say such things to the many? Why should we? Is it not enough for a man to be persuaded himself? When children come clapping their hands and crying out, “Today is the good Saturnalia,” do we say, “The Saturnalia are not good”? By no means, but we clap our hands also. Do you also then, when you are not able to make a man change his mind, be assured that he is a child, and clap your hands with him; and if you do not choose to do this, keep silent.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Discourses 1.29 ¶7, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/discourses/1.29.7
Epictetus, Discourses (as recorded by Arrian), tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesYou do not have to convert everyone, and arguing with people who will not change their minds helps no one. When someone is set in their view, treat them as you would a child excited by a festival: go along good-naturedly or stay quiet.
Older wording
- “Saturnalia”
- — a Roman midwinter festival of games and merrymaking
Themes and situations
- Speech and silence
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Community and our duty to others
- Peace of mind
- Conflict at work
- Family conflict
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