Skip to content
What Would Stoics Do

Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE

Fragments 120 — Epictetus

Translation by George Long (1877)

Epictetus, Fragments 120

If you always remember that whatever you are doing in the soul or in the body, God stands by as an inspector, you will never err (do wrong) in all your prayers and in all your acts, but you will have God dwelling with you.
— Epictetus, Fragments 120 · tr. George Long (1877)Read in context →

Cite this passage

Epictetus, Fragments 120, tr. George Long (1877)

https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/epictetus-fragments/120

Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences

Read Fragments in context →

In plain English

AI-written notes

Remember that whatever you do, in mind or body, you are observed by God, and you will not go wrong in your prayers or actions. Acting as though a wise witness is always present keeps you honest.

Older wording

“inspector”
— an overseer who watches and checks conduct

Themes and situations

  • Virtue and character
  • Self-discipline and habit
  • Nature and the cosmos
  • Judgements and impressions
  • An ethical dilemma

Quote cards

The opening line of this passage as an image, with its citation — for sharing or keeping.