Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Fragments 37 — Epictetus
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Fragments 37
Examine in three ways him who is talking with you, as superior, or as inferior, or as equal: and if he is superior, you should listen to him and be convinced by him: but if he is inferior, you should convince him; if he is equal, you should agree with him; and thus you will never be guilty of being quarrelsome.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Fragments 37, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/epictetus-fragments/37
Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesSize up the person you are talking with. If they know more than you, listen and be willing to be persuaded; if they know less, try to convince them; if they are your equal, be willing to agree. Handled this way, you will not become argumentative.
Older wording
- “quarrelsome”
- — inclined to argue
Themes and situations
- Speech and silence
- Pride and humility
- Judgements and impressions
- Learning and progress
- Conflict at work
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