Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Enchiridion 35 — Epictetus
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Enchiridion 35
When you have decided that a thing ought to be done and are doing it, never avoid being seen doing it, though the many shall form an unfavourable opinion about it. For if it is not right to do it, avoid doing the thing; but if it is right, why are you afraid of those who shall find fault wrongly?
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Enchiridion 35, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/enchiridion/35
Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesIf you have judged something to be right, do not hide while doing it, even if many will think badly of it. If it is wrong, do not do it at all, and if it is right, there is no reason to fear those who criticise it unfairly.
Themes and situations
- Courage
- Reputation and others' opinions
- Justice and fairness
- Virtue and character
- An ethical dilemma
- Being criticised or insulted
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