Stoic Quotes

 

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“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” 

Epictetus

 

Epictetus, the Greek Stoic philosopher, provides a profound directive in the above quote. At its core, this statement emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, intention, and disciplined action in achieving one’s desired identity or goals. It invites reflection on one’s values and aspirations before committing to the necessary actions to actualize them               

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Self-Awareness as the Starting Point

The quote's first line, "First say to yourself what you would be," emphasizes how important it is to be clear when defining one's purpose or ideal self. This entails introspection, in which a person spends time determining their core values, aspirations, and long-term objectives. Actions run the danger of becoming haphazard or unfocused in the absence of such clarity. For instance, someone may want to succeed yet be unable to articulate what success means to them specifically, whether it is in terms of monetary security, career achievement, or personal development. People establish a guiding star to help them coordinate their decisions and activities by clearly stating what they want to become. Setting goals is only one aspect of this; another is choosing the type of person one want to be, such as courageous, disciplined, or compassionate.

Commitment to the Path

The need for focused effort is emphasized in the second section, "and then do what you have to do." The next stage after having a clear sense of who they want to be is to close the gap between where they are now and where they want to go. This calls for dedication and perseverance in acting in ways consistent with their ideal selves. Every step taken toward the attainment of the ideal self gives actions a sense of meaning. A person who wants to be a good musician, for example, needs to practice a lot, overcome obstacles, and commit to learning. The quotation serves as a reminder that simply knowing what we desire doesn't mean that we will act on it.

Overcoming Obstacles

Additionally, the instruction suggests resiliency. It is rarely easy to go from envisioning to becoming. One's resolve will be put to the test by obstacles, disappointments, and diversions. As a Stoic, Epictetus recognized the value of preserving inner power and concentration. By making the commitment to accomplish "what you have to do," a person recognizes that their route may call for discipline, sacrifices, and the strength to remain true to their mission in the face of adversity.

Practical Application

This  kind of philosophy is highly applicable in modern life, where distractions and competing priorities often cloud one’s sense of direction. If we wanted to apply Epictetus’s wisdom, we could begin by journaling or meditating on their core values and aspirations. What kind of person do they want to be remembered as? What habits or qualities will help them fulfill this vision? After gaining insight, attention turns to taking action, which includes creating routines, establishing goals, and holding oneself responsible. A person who wants to be healthier, for example, needs to decide what that means to them (fitness, mental health, etc.) and then start doing things like regular exercise and mindful eating.

The Alignment of Being and Doing

In the end, the quote from Epictetus highlights the balance between doing and being. Being is an active process molded by conscious acts rather than merely a passive state. People take charge of their life by first determining what they want to become and then making the necessary commitments. This alignment promotes fulfillment as one watches their goal gradually come to pass and authenticity as actions continuously reflect inner ideals.

In essence, the quote is a timeless reminder of the power of intentionality and disciplined effort in shaping one’s destiny. This can really challenge individuals to move beyond wishful thinking and then be able to ground their aspirations into purposeful, aligned actions.

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