Living by example

The Golden Sayings of Epictetus, with the Hymn of Cleanthes secondary

Epictetus teaches self-sufficiency, warns about harmful influence of bad conversation, condemns performative asceticism, and gives practical guidance for living virtuously and profitably in society.

Even as bad actors cannot sing alone, but only in chorus: so some cannot walk alone. Man, if thou art aught, strive to walk alone and hold converse with thyself, instead of skulking in the chorus! at length think; look around thee; bestir thyself, that thou mayest know who thou art! CIV You would fain be victor at the Olympic games, you say. Yes, but weigh the conditions, weigh the consequences; then and then only…