Skip to content
What Would Stoics Do

Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE

Fragments 106 — Epictetus

Translation by George Long (1877)

Epictetus, Fragments 106

The man who gives advice ought first to have regard to the modesty and character (reputation) of those whom he advises; for those who have lost the capacity of blushing are incorrigible.
— Epictetus, Fragments 106 · tr. George Long (1877)Read in context →

Cite this passage

Epictetus, Fragments 106, tr. George Long (1877)

https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/epictetus-fragments/106

Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences

Read Fragments in context →

In plain English

AI-written notes

Anyone giving advice should first consider the sense of shame and reputation of the person they are advising, because people who can no longer blush are beyond correction. Know who you are advising and whether they can still be embarrassed by wrongdoing.

Older wording

“incorrigible”
— beyond correction

Themes and situations

  • Speech and silence
  • Kindness and forgiveness
  • Friendship
  • Virtue and character

Quote cards

The opening line of this passage as an image, with its citation — for sharing or keeping.