Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Fragments 107 — Epictetus
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Fragments 107
To admonish is better than to reproach: for admonition is mild and friendly, but reproach is harsh and insulting; and admonition corrects those who are doing wrong, but reproach only convicts them.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Fragments 107, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/epictetus-fragments/107
Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesWhen someone is doing wrong, correct them gently rather than scolding them harshly. Friendly correction helps people improve, while reproach only proves them guilty and insults them.
Older wording
- “admonish”
- — warn or advise gently
- “reproach”
- — blame or scold
Themes and situations
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Speech and silence
- Anger
- Friendship
- Justice and fairness
- Parenting
- Conflict at work
- Trouble with a friend
- Leading others
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