Practice yourself, for heaven's sake, in little things; and thence proceed to greater.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Start by mastering small tasks, then gradually tackle larger ones.
- In plain terms
- Practice on little things before moving to big ones.
- What can you take from it?
- Build skill step by step.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When should you jump to a larger task?
- How do you balance small and big goals?
Another view
Focusing only on small tasks can delay addressing urgent big issues.
More from Epictetus
No thing great is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let i…
Permalink to quote #3 It is difficulties that show what men are.
Permalink to quote #5 When you close your doors, and make darkness within, remember never to say that you are alone, for you are not alone; nay, God is within, and your genius is wi…
Permalink to quote #2
Related quotes
Do not say, 'when I have leisure I will study,' for you may never have leisure.
Hillel the YoungerHillel the Younger quote #3 Do not wait; the time will never be 'just right.' Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be fo…
Napoleon HillNapoleon Hill quote #9 After you have practiced for a while, you will realize that it is not possible to make rapid, extraordinary progress. Even though you try very hard, the progre…
Shunryu SuzukaShunryu Suzuka quote #9