Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Enchiridion 41 — Epictetus
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Enchiridion 41
It is a mark of a mean capacity to spend much time on the things which concern the body, such as much exercise, much eating, much drinking, much easing of the body, much copulation. But these things should be done as subordinate things: and let all your care be directed to the mind.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Enchiridion 41, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/enchiridion/41
Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesSpending a lot of time and energy on bodily matters such as exercise, eating, drinking and sex shows a limited character. Treat them as side concerns and direct your main attention to your mind.
Older wording
- “mean capacity”
- — a small-minded or limited character
- “copulation”
- — sex
Themes and situations
- Self-discipline and habit
- Pleasure and pain
- Simplicity and frugality
- Virtue and character
- Breaking a bad habit
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