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What Would Stoics Do

Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE

Fragments 54 — Epictetus

Translation by George Long (1877)

Epictetus, Fragments 54

Of pleasures those which occur most rarely give the greatest delight.
— Epictetus, Fragments 54 · tr. George Long (1877)Read in context →

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Epictetus, Fragments 54, tr. George Long (1877)

https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/epictetus-fragments/54

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

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The pleasures that come least often delight us most. Constant indulgence dulls enjoyment, so rationing your treats keeps them special.

Themes and situations

  • Pleasure and pain
  • Self-discipline and habit
  • Simplicity and frugality
  • Desire and craving
  • Breaking a bad habit

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Epictetus, Fragments 54, tr. George Long (1877)