“Epictetus wanted little, and it seems that he always had the little that he wanted, and he was content”

—  George Long

The Philosophy of Antoninus
Context: Epictetus wanted little, and it seems that he always had the little that he wanted, and he was content with it, as he had been with his servile station. But Antoninus after his accession to the empire sat on an uneasy seat. … what must be the trials, the troubles, the anxiety, and the sorrows of him who has the world's business on his hands with the wish to do the best that he can, and the certain knowledge that he can do very little of the good which he wishes.

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update June 3, 2021. History

Help us to complete the source, original and additional information

Do you have more details about the quote "Epictetus wanted little, and it seems that he always had the little that he wanted, and he was content" by George Long?
George Long photo
George Long 66
English classical scholar 1800–1879

Related quotes

Wilhelm Reich photo

“The Little Man does not want to hear the truth about himself. He does not want the great responsibility which is his. He wants to remain a Little Man.”

Listen, Little Man! (1948)
Context: My intellect tells me: "Tell the truth at any cost." The Little Man in me says: "It is stupid to expose oneself to the little man, to put oneself at his mercy. The Little Man does not want to hear the truth about himself. He does not want the great responsibility which is his. He wants to remain a Little Man. He wants to remain a Little Man, or wants to become a little great man. He wants to become rich, or a party leader, or commander of a legion, or secretary of the society for the abolition of vice. But he does not want to assume responsibility for his work..."

Gabrielle Zevin photo
Henry Adams photo
Michel De Montaigne photo

“A man must be a little mad if he does not want to be even more stupid.”

Book III, Ch. 9
Essais (1595), Book III

Cassandra Clare photo
Henry Adams photo
Alexander Graham Bell photo

“The inventor…looks upon the world and is not contented with things as they are. He wants to improve whatever he sees, he wants to benefit the world; he is haunted by an idea. The spirit of invention possesses him, seeking materialization.”

Alexander Graham Bell (1847–1922) scientist and inventor known for his work on the telephone

As appears on plaque in the entrance to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/grahambell/index_e.asp in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Related topics