Remember that you ought to behave in life as you would at a banquet. As something is being passed around it comes to you; stretch out your hand, take a portion of it politely. It passes on; do not detain it. Or it has not come to you yet; do not project your desire to meet it, but wait until it comes in front of you. So act toward children, so toward a wife, so toward office, so toward wealth. (15)
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Treat opportunities and relationships with patience and politeness, taking what comes without forcing it.
- In plain terms
- Wait for things to come to you and accept them politely.
- What can you take from it?
- Practice patience and humility in all interactions.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When have I forced a situation instead of waiting?
- How can I show humility without appearing passive?
Another view
It may be hard to distinguish when to wait and when to act decisively.
More from Epictetus
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Permalink to quote #18 When you do anything from a clear judgment that it ought to be done, never shun the being seen to do it, even though the world should make a wrong supposition …
Permalink to quote #20 Men are disturbed, not by things, but by the principles and notions which they form concerning things. (5)
Permalink to quote #17
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