Epictetus: 'First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.'

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

Epictetus, the Stoic philosopher, once wisely said, "First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do." This powerful quote encapsulates the essence of personal growth and achieving one's goals. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and understanding before taking action. Epictetus' message conveys that by envisioning our desired outcome and aligning our actions accordingly, we can ultimately shape our reality and become who we aspire to be.At first glance, Epictetus encourages individuals to set clear intentions and define their goals. We often rush into action without fully understanding our desires and aspirations. This quote urges us to pause and ask ourselves, "What would I truly like to become?" By taking the time to inquire within, we gain a deeper understanding of our hopes, dreams, and values. Defining our vision becomes the starting point towards manifesting our true potential.However, there is a deeper philosophical concept that can be intertwined with Epictetus' message. Existentialism, often associated with thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre, reminds us that while setting intentions and identifying goals is crucial, it is equally essential to acknowledge the responsibility we hold in creating our own meaning and purpose in life. Existentialists believe that we are not born with predetermined destinies but instead have the freedom to choose and shape our own paths. In this sense, Epictetus' quote aligns with existentialist ideas, highlighting that by reflecting on our aspirations, we take ownership of our lives and actively participate in creating our own identities.Further exploring the comparison between Stoicism and Existentialism, it is interesting to note that both philosophies place importance on personal agency and self-reflection. Stoicism emphasizes the use of reason to find inner tranquility and live in accordance with nature, while Existentialism emphasizes individual freedom and the quest for personal meaning. Epictetus, with his quote, encourages individuals to align their inner desires with their actions, thus finding a harmonious balance between Stoic tranquility and existential self-creation.Epictetus' quote also reminds us of the relationship between thoughts and actions. Our thoughts shape not only our attitudes and behaviors but also influence the outcomes we achieve. By visualizing our desired state, we create a mental blueprint that guides our actions. This highlights the power of positive thinking and the impact it can have on our lives. Envisioning who we want to become acts as a guiding light, providing clarity and motivation throughout our journey.It is crucial to note that Epictetus does not solely focus on visualizing our goals but stresses the importance of diligent action. We must not succumb to passivity while dreaming of who we want to be. Instead, he emphasizes the necessity of doing what needs to be done. Taking decisive steps towards our goals is essential if we wish to turn our aspirations into realities. The quote reminds us that action is the key to transforming our visions into tangible achievements.In conclusion, Epictetus' quote resonates with the fundamental idea that identifying our aspirations and aligning our actions is vital for personal growth and success. It encourages us to reflect on our desires and set clear intentions. Furthermore, when juxtaposed with the concept of existentialism, we realize that we have the agency and responsibility to shape our own lives. By combining Stoic principles of tranquility with existential freedom, we can harness the power of our thoughts and actions to manifest our dreams. Epictetus reminds us that we hold the power to create our own reality; all we need to do is envision who we want to become and take the necessary steps towards achieving it.