Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Discourses 4.13 ¶2 — Epictetus
From “Against or to Those Who Readily Tell Their Own Affairs”
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Discourses 4.13 ¶2
Something of this kind happens to us also generally. Now as this man has confidently entrusted his affairs to me, shall I also do so to any man whom I meet? (No), for when I have heard, I keep silence, if I am of such a disposition; but he goes forth and tells all men what he has heard. Then if I hear what has been done, if I be a man like him, I resolve to be revenged, I divulge what he has told me; I both disturb others and am disturbed myself. But if I remember that one man does not injure another, and that every man’s acts injure and profit him, I secure this, that I do not any thing like him, but still I suffer what I do suffer through my own silly talk.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Discourses 4.13 ¶2, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/discourses/4.13.2
Epictetus, Discourses (as recorded by Arrian), tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesIf someone spreads what you told them, getting even by spreading their secrets makes you the same kind of person and stirs up trouble for everyone. Nobody else really harms you, since each person's acts mainly harm or benefit themselves, and you suffered here because of your own loose talk, so be careful what you share.
Older wording
- “divulge”
- — reveal a secret
Themes and situations
- Speech and silence
- Anger
- Justice and fairness
- Judgements and impressions
- Betrayal
- Being angry with someone
Quote cards
The opening line of this passage as an image, with its citation — for sharing or keeping.