“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.”
What this quote means
This quote invites us to clearly define our identity and aspirations before taking action. Epictetus emphasizes the importance of vision: knowing who we want to become guides our choices and behaviors. It is a call to intentionality and coherence. By setting an ideal, we give meaning to our efforts and avoid scattering ourselves. Personal transformation begins with an inner decision.
How to apply it daily
Take a moment to write down your ideal vision of yourself. Then, choose one concrete action that brings you closer to that vision and do it today.
Reading guide
Which book should you read to discover Epictetus?
Our starting point
A short, practical first approach
Enchiridion
In a few pages, it sets out the central distinction between what depends on us and what does not.
- Level
- Accessible
- Reading time
- 1–2 hours
- Formats to compare
- Print · Ebook · Audio
Merchant links help compare editions. Recommendations are editorially independent.
Continue
Related quotes
Same author or same theme — keep reading.
“First say to yourself what you would be, then do what you have to do.”Create visual
“The greater the difficulty the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests.”Create visual
“You have power over your mind - not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”Create visual
“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.”Create visual
“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.”Create visual
“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.”Create visual
More quotes by Epictetus
“First say to yourself what you would be, then do what you have to do.”Create visual
“The greater the difficulty the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests.”Create visual
“It is not things themselves that disturb men, but their judgments about these things.”Create visual
“Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our own actions.”Create visual