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About this quote

What does it mean?
Rare pleasures bring the greatest delight.
In plain terms
Infrequent joys are the most rewarding.
What can you take from it?
Value and savor rare experiences.

Where it applies

  • vacations
  • special events
  • personal milestones

Putting it to work

  • plan occasional indulgences
  • avoid overindulgence

Questions to consider

  • What rare pleasure has impacted you most?
  • How can you balance rarity with regular joy?

Another view

Everyday simple pleasures also contribute to well‑being.

More from Epictetus

  1. Freedom is the name of virtue: Slavery, of vice:. None is a slave whose acts are free.

    Permalink to quote #63
  2. Exceed due measure, and the most delightful things become the least delightful.

    Permalink to quote #65
  3. Give me by all means the shorter and nobler life, instead of one that is longer but of less account!

    Permalink to quote #62

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