Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Fragments 71 — Epictetus
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Fragments 71
When you are attacking (or going to attack) any person violently and with threats, remember to say to yourself first, that you are (by nature) mild (gentle); and if you do nothing savage, you will continue to live without repentance and without blame.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Fragments 71, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/epictetus-fragments/71
Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesWhen you are about to lash out at someone with threats or rage, first remind yourself that you are by nature gentle. If you hold back from savagery, you will avoid regret and blame later.
Older wording
- “repentance”
- — regret over what you did
Themes and situations
- Anger
- Self-discipline and habit
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Virtue and character
- Being angry with someone
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