Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Fragments 50 — Epictetus
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Fragments 50
If you begin by admiring little things, you will not be thought worthy of great things: but if you despise the little, you will be greatly admired.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Fragments 50, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/epictetus-fragments/50
Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesIf you gush over trivial things, others will not think you capable of great ones; if you are unimpressed by trifles, you will earn real admiration. Choose carefully what deserves your wonder.
Themes and situations
- Pride and humility
- Ambition and success
- Reputation and others' opinions
- Simplicity and frugality
- Virtue and character
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