Previous Stoicism

WORKING HARD OR HARDLY WORKING?

“I can’t call a person a hard worker just because I hear they read and write, even if working at it all night. Until I know what a person is working for, I can’t deem them industrious. . . . I can if the end they work for is their own ruling principle, having it be and remain in constant harmony with Nature.”

- EPICTETUS, DISCOURSES

Summary:
Epictetus argues that hard work alone isn’t enough to be truly industrious. What matters is the purpose behind the effort—whether it aligns with living in harmony with nature and reason, rather than selfish or misguided goals.

Interpretation:
In real life, this means someone could spend hours working or studying but still lack true discipline if their aim is shallow or self-centred. Stoicism teaches that meaningful effort is directed towards cultivating virtue and living according to nature’s principles. So, it’s not just about how hard you work, but why you work and whether your actions reflect wisdom and integrity.

 

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