These reasonings do not cohere: I am richer than you, therefore I am better than you; I am more eloquent than you, therefore I am better than you. On the contrary these rather cohere, I am richer than you, therefore my possessions are greater than yours: I am more eloquent than you, therefore my speech is superior to yours. But you are neither possession nor speech.
📖 Epictetus
In this passage from Epictetus's "Handbook," the author critiques flawed reasoning that equates wealth or eloquence with moral superiority. He highlights that claiming one is better based on material wealth or verbal skill lacks coherence, failing to consider the intrinsic value of an individual. Wealth and eloquence can lead to comparisons of external attributes, but they do not define a person’s worth or character.
By contrast, Epictetus emphasizes the logical coherence in the idea that someone with more wealth possesses greater material things, and someone with greater eloquence has superior expression. However, he argues that people should not be defined solely by their possessions or speech, as these do not capture the essence of their being. The true value lies beyond superficial traits, suggesting a deeper moral and philosophical understanding of what constitutes a person’s worth.
Rate the Quote
User Reviews
Other quotes in book quote
All the things you can talk about in anyone's work are the things that are least important.
Race of Cain, ascend to heaven, And cast God down upon the earth!
