2011.01.09 — From The Discourses by Epictetus

From my list of over 200 e.mail quips, the random one that popped up today was particularly interesting. Now, objectively I can see that it would likely be uninteresting — or at least I think I can. But for some reason, the manner of its description is so ... I am tempted to write 'charming,' but that's not quite right. Maybe the charm I see in it is because it is so blunt and unusually colourful.

Anyway, some Epictetus for a Sunday afternoon.

…it is a more valuable thing to get a dinner, than not;

and a greater disgrace to be whipt, than not to be whipt; so that, if you measure yourself by these things, go and do your office.

“Ay, but this is not suitable to my character.”

It is you who are to consider that, not I;
for it is you who know yourself, what value you set upon yourself, and at what rate you sell yourself; for different people sell themselves at different prices.

Epictetus Moral Discourses Book I Chapter 2