“Wealth is not the good; poverty is not the evil; to be well or ill is another thing.”
What this quote means
Epictetus challenges our concepts of good and evil. Wealth and poverty are not in themselves goods or evils; it is our use and attitude that matter. One can be rich and unhappy, poor and fulfilled. The true good lies in virtue and wisdom, not in external circumstances. This perspective frees us from attachment to material possessions.
How to apply it daily
Reflect on what you consider good or bad. Ask yourself if your judgment is based on appearances or on deep values.
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.
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