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What Would Stoics Do

Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE

Fragments 14 — Epictetus

Translation by George Long (1877)

Epictetus, Fragments 14

As you would not choose to sail in a large and decorated and gold-laden ship (or ship ornamented with gold), and to be drowned; so do not choose to dwell in a large and costly house and to be disturbed (by cares).
— Epictetus, Fragments 14 · tr. George Long (1877)Read in context →

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Epictetus, Fragments 14, tr. George Long (1877)

https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/epictetus-fragments/14

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

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You would not choose a gold-laden ship if it meant drowning, so do not choose a grand and expensive house if it brings constant worry. Luxury is not worth the loss of peace of mind.

Themes and situations

  • Simplicity and frugality
  • Wealth and poverty
  • Peace of mind
  • Desire and craving
  • Money, status and wanting more

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Epictetus, Fragments 14, tr. George Long (1877)