Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Fragments 27 — Epictetus
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Fragments 27
To live well differs from living extravagantly: for the first comes from moderation and a sufficiency (αὐταρκείας） and good order and propriety and frugality; but the other comes from intemperance and luxury and want of order and want of propriety. And the end (the consequence) of the one is true praise, but of the other blame. If then you wish to live well, do not seek to be commended for profuse expenditure.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Fragments 27, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/epictetus-fragments/27
Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesA good life comes from restraint, self-sufficiency, order and thrift, while lavish living comes from indulgence and disorder. The first earns real respect and the second earns criticism, so do not spend big to win people's admiration.
Older wording
- “sufficiency”
- — being self-reliant and content with what you have
- “propriety”
- — appropriate, decent conduct
- “profuse expenditure”
- — lavish spending
Themes and situations
- Simplicity and frugality
- Self-discipline and habit
- Virtue and character
- Reputation and others' opinions
- Money, status and wanting more
Quote cards
The opening line of this passage as an image, with its citation — for sharing or keeping.