Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Fragments 15 — Epictetus
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Fragments 15
When we have been invited to a banquet, we take what is set before us: but if a guest should ask the host to set before him fish or sweet cakes, he would be considered to be an unreasonable fellow. But in the world we ask the Gods for what they do not give; and we do this though the things are many which they have given.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Fragments 15, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/epictetus-fragments/15
Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesAt a dinner you take what is served and would look unreasonable demanding fish or cakes, yet in life we ask the gods for what they have not given and overlook the many things they have. Be grateful for what you have been given instead of asking for more.
Themes and situations
- Gratitude
- Desire and craving
- Acceptance and fate
- Simplicity and frugality
- Money, status and wanting more
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