Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Discourses 3.14 ¶5 — Epictetus
From “Certain Miscellaneous Matters”
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Discourses 3.14 ¶5
“I am superior to you, for my father is a man of consular rank.” Another says, “I have been a tribune, but you have not.” If we were horses, would you say, “My father was swifter? I have much barley and fodder, or elegant neck ornaments.” If then while you were saying this, I said: Be it so: let us run then. Well, is there nothing in a man such as running in a horse, by which it will be known which is superior and inferior? Is there not modesty (αἰδὼς), fidelity, justice? Show yourself superior in these, that you may be superior as a man. If you tell me that you can kick violently, I also will say to you that you are proud of that which is the act of an ass.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Discourses 3.14 ¶5, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/discourses/3.14.5
Epictetus, Discourses (as recorded by Arrian), tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesBoasting about family rank or past offices is as silly as a horse bragging about its father's speed or its fancy trappings. A person should compete in what is truly human, which is modesty, loyalty and fairness.
Older wording
- “consular rank”
- — having held the top Roman office of consul
- “tribune”
- — a Roman official or military officer of fairly high rank
Themes and situations
- Pride and humility
- Reputation and others' opinions
- Virtue and character
- Envy and comparison
- Handling success
- Envy and comparison
Quote cards
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