Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Fragments 80 — Epictetus
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Fragments 80
If you propose to adorn your city by the dedication of offerings (monuments), first dedicate to yourself (decorate yourself with) the noblest offering of gentleness, and justice and beneficence.
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Fragments 80, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/epictetus-fragments/80
Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesIf you want to improve your city with monuments, start by adorning your own character with gentleness, justice and generosity. The best gift to a community is your own goodness.
Older wording
- “offerings”
- — dedicated gifts such as monuments
- “beneficence”
- — active kindness, doing good for others
Themes and situations
- Leadership and power
- Virtue and character
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Justice and fairness
- Community and our duty to others
- Leading others
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