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About this quote

What does it mean?
A philosopher's strength lies in a disciplined will, avoiding harm, exercising power, and making careful decisions.
In plain terms
A philosopher's power comes from a strong, disciplined will.
What can you take from it?
Cultivate willpower through daily practice.

Where it applies

  • facing moral choices
  • overcoming temptations

Putting it to work

  • daily reflection
  • setting resolutions

Questions to consider

  • What habits build a strong will?
  • How does will relate to moral choices?

Another view

Will alone cannot change external events.

More from Epictetus

  1. Only the educated are free.

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  2. What is the first business of one who practices philosophy? To get rid of self-conceit. For it is impossible for anyone to begin to learn that which he thinks …

    Permalink to quote #11
  3. Appearances to the mind are of four kinds. Things either are what they appear to be; or they neither are, nor appear to be; or they are, and do not appear to b…

    Permalink to quote #8

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