Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Fragments 130 — Epictetus
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Fragments 130
Epictetus being asked how a man should give pain to his enemy answered, By preparing himself to live the best life that he can.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Fragments 130, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/epictetus-fragments/130
Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesAsked how to hurt an enemy, the answer given is to get on with building the best life you can. Living well, rather than plotting revenge, is the best response to someone who wishes you ill.
Themes and situations
- Anger
- Virtue and character
- Resilience and endurance
- Insult and criticism
- Being angry with someone
- Betrayal
- Being treated unfairly
- Conflict at work
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