Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
In theory we can follow teachings easily, but real life presents many distractions that pull us away.
In plain terms
Ideas are simple, but life makes them hard to keep.
What can you take from it?
Stay focused despite distractions.

Where it applies

  • learning new skills
  • maintaining habits

Putting it to work

  • limit interruptions
  • set clear priorities

Questions to consider

  • What strategies help bridge theory and practice?
  • How can you turn distractions into opportunities?

Another view

Some distractions are necessary for growth.

More from Epictetus

  1. The good or ill of man lies within his own will.

    Permalink to quote #6
  2. 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
  3. It is difficulties that show what men are.

    Permalink to quote #5

Related quotes

  1. Go to work on an egg.

    Fay WeldonFay Weldon quote #1
  2. My books I'd fain cast off, I cannot read, 'Twixt every page my thoughts go stray at large Down in the meadow, where is richer feed, And will not mind to hit t…

    Henry David ThoreauHenry David Thoreau quote #4
  3. A man is likely to mind his own business when it is worth minding. When it is not, he takes his mind off his own meaningless affairs by minding other people's …

    Eric HofferEric Hoffer quote #11