You ought to realize, you take up very little space in the world as a whole-your body, that is; in reason, however, you yield to no one, not even to the gods, because reason is not measured in size but sense. So why not care for that side of you, where you and the gods are equals?
📖 Epictetus
Epictetus emphasizes the insignificance of our physical presence in the grand scheme of the universe while highlighting the superiority of human reason. He proposes that, despite the small space our bodies occupy, the power of reason allows us to stand equal to divine beings. This perspective invites us to focus on our intellectual and moral capacities rather than being preoccupied with our physical existence.
By valuing and nurturing our reasoning abilities, we can align ourselves with the higher aspects of existence. Epictetus encourages us to recognize that true worth lies not in our physical stature but in the strength of our minds and the depth of our understanding. This approach encourages personal growth and a sense of equality with the divine, urging us to invest in our intellectual and ethical development.
