Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Fragments 34 — Epictetus
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Fragments 34
It is best if even in the preparations for a feast you take a part of the labour, and at the enjoyment of the food, while you are feasting, you share with those who serve the things which are before you. But if such behaviour be unsuitable to the occasion, remember that you are served when you are not labouring by those who are labouring, when you are eating by those who are not eating, when you are drinking by those who are not drinking, while you are talking by those who are silent, while you are at ease by those who are under constraint; and if you remember this, you will neither being heated with anger be guilty of any absurdity yourself, nor by irritating another will you cause any mischief.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Fragments 34, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/epictetus-fragments/34
Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesAt a party, pitch in with the preparation and share what is on the table with those who serve. If that would not suit the occasion, remember that you are being waited on by people who work while you rest, eat while they do not, and talk while they stay silent. Keeping that in mind stops you from flaring up or needlessly irritating them.
Older wording
- “absurdity”
- — foolish behaviour
- “mischief”
- — harm or trouble
Themes and situations
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Community and our duty to others
- Anger
- Pride and humility
- Being angry with someone
Quote cards
The opening line of this passage as an image, with its citation — for sharing or keeping.