If a man has reported to you, that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not make any defense to what has been told you: but reply, The man did not know the rest of my faults, for he would not have mentioned these only.
In this quote from Epictetus' "Handbook," the author advises against reacting defensively when someone informs you that another person is speaking negatively about you. Instead of engaging in a debate or a defense of your character, he suggests acknowledging that the critic likely overlooks many other flaws you might have. This perspective encourages humility and self-awareness rather than defensiveness.
Epictetus emphasizes the idea that criticism can often be superficial, only highlighting certain traits without considering the whole person. By recognizing that others may not have a complete understanding of who you are, you can remain composed and avoid being drawn into unnecessary conflicts. This approach fosters a sense of inner peace and detachment from external judgments.