Previous Stoicism

BE THE PERSON YOU WANT TO BE

“First, tell yourself what kind of person you want to be, then do what you have to do. For in nearly every pursuit, we see this to be the case. Those in athletic pursuit first choose the sport they want, and then do that work.”

- EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES

Summary:
Epictetus advises that clarity about who you want to become should come before action. Just as an athlete commits to a specific discipline and trains accordingly, you must first define your ideal self and then align your actions and habits with that goal.

Interpretation:
In real life, this means being intentional about your personal growth. If you want to be a calm, disciplined, or compassionate person, your daily choices must reflect that aim. Like training for a sport, it requires consistent effort, sacrifice, and focus. Rather than drifting through life reactively, you consciously shape your character by deciding who you want to be and living by that vision.

 

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