Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Fragments 86 — Epictetus
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Fragments 86
As a multitude, when they without reason demand of you anything of your own, do not disconcert you, so do not be moved from your purpose even by a rabble when they unjustly attempt to move you.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Fragments 86, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/epictetus-fragments/86
Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesWhen a crowd unreasonably demands something of yours, or tries to push you off your course, do not be rattled and do not give way. Hold to your purpose even against an unjust mob.
Older wording
- “disconcert”
- — unsettle, rattle
- “rabble”
- — a disorderly mob
Themes and situations
- Courage
- Reputation and others' opinions
- Justice and fairness
- Resilience and endurance
- Being criticised or insulted
- Being treated unfairly
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