Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Fragments 11 — Epictetus
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Fragments 11
If you wish to live without perturbation and with pleasure, try to have all who dwell with you good. And you will have them good, if you instruct the willing, and dismiss those who are unwilling (to be taught): for there will fly away together with those who have fled away both wickedness and slavery; and there will be left with those who remain with you goodness and liberty.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Fragments 11, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/epictetus-fragments/11
Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesTo live calmly and happily, surround yourself with good people: teach those who are willing to learn and part ways with those who refuse, and the wickedness leaves along with them.
Older wording
- “perturbation”
- — emotional turmoil
Themes and situations
- Community and our duty to others
- Friendship
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Peace of mind
- Leadership and power
- Conflict at work
- Family conflict
- Trouble with a friend
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