Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Enchiridion 47 — Epictetus
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Enchiridion 47
When at a small cost you are supplied with everything for the body, do not be proud of this; nor, if you drink water, say on every occasion, I drink water. But consider first how much more frugal the poor are than we, and how much more enduring of labour. And if you ever wish to exercise yourself in labour and endurance, do it for yourself, and not for others: do not embrace statues. But if you are ever very thirsty, take a draught of cold water, and spit it out, and tell no man.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Enchiridion 47, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/enchiridion/47
Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesIf you live cheaply, do not be proud of it or keep announcing it, and remember that poor people are far more frugal and hardy than you. If you want to practise endurance, do it privately for yourself and not for show, and if you are thirsty, rinse your mouth with cold water, spit it out and tell nobody.
Older wording
- “embrace statues”
- — hug cold statues in winter, a showy endurance stunt of some Cynics
Themes and situations
- Simplicity and frugality
- Pride and humility
- Self-discipline and habit
- Resilience and endurance
- Handling success
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