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What Would Stoics Do

Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE

Fragments 61 — Epictetus

Translation by George Long (1877)

Epictetus, Fragments 61

If you wish to make your judgments just, listen not to (regard not) any of those who are parties (to the suit), nor to those who plead in it, but listen to justice itself.
— Epictetus, Fragments 61 · tr. George Long (1877)Read in context →

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Epictetus, Fragments 61, tr. George Long (1877)

https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/epictetus-fragments/61

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

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In plain English

AI-written notes

To judge fairly, do not be swayed by the people involved or their advocates, but listen to what is actually right. Decide on principle rather than on pressure or persuasion.

Older wording

“parties”
— the people involved in a dispute
“suit”
— a legal case

Themes and situations

  • Justice and fairness
  • Judgements and impressions
  • Leadership and power
  • Leading others
  • An ethical dilemma

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