It is the act of an ill-instructed man to blame others for his own bad condition; it is the act of one who has begun to be instructed, to lay the blame on himself; and of one whose instruction is completed, neither to blame another, nor himself.
Meaning
Epictetus describes three stages of wisdom: blaming others, blaming yourself, and finally dropping blame to look at what to do next. When something goes wrong, skip the verdict and ask one question: what is my next sensible move?
Source: Enchiridion 5 (tr. G. Long, 1888)
About the author
(c. 50–135 CE) was a Greek Stoic philosopher who taught that true happiness comes from understanding what is within our control and accepting what is not. Born into slavery, he later gained freedom and became a respected teacher. His teachings, recorded in works such as the "Enchiridion," emphasize self-discipline, resilience, and inner freedom. Epictetus believed that external events are less important than our reactions to them. His philosophy has influenced modern psychology, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy. Epictetus’s timeless insights continue to guide individuals seeking peace, clarity, and strength in adversity.
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