Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Discourses 3.22 ¶18 — Epictetus
From “About Cynism”
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Discourses 3.22 ¶18
About such a matter as this you are deliberating. Therefore, if you please, I urge you in God’s name, defer the matter, and first consider your preparation for it. For see what Hector says to Andromache: Retire rather, he says, into the house and weave: War is the work of men Of all indeed, but specially ’tis mine. So he was conscious of his own qualification, and knew her weakness.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Discourses 3.22 ¶18, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/discourses/3.22.18
Epictetus, Discourses (as recorded by Arrian), tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesBefore committing to a demanding calling, put the decision off and honestly weigh whether you are prepared for it, as Hector knew his own fitness for war and his wife's lack of it. Know your strengths and limits and take up the work that suits you.
Themes and situations
- Preparing for difficulty
- Duty and roles
- Learning and progress
- A hard decision
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