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.

The quote by Epictetus, "First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do," encapsulates a profound and invaluable principle of personal growth and achievement. Its straightforward meaning lies in the power of envisioning our desired outcome before taking action. By setting clear intentions and understanding our aspirations, we are better equipped to navigate the path towards them. However, to bring an unexpected twist to this discussion, let us delve into the philosophical concept of existentialism and explore how it contrasts with Epictetus' quote.At its core, the quote encourages us to define our goals and desires upfront. It calls for introspection, where we must articulate our aspirations and forge a path towards achieving them. This initial step is crucial, as it provides clarity and direction, allowing us to make choices and take actions that align with our vision. By consciously stating to ourselves what we aspire to be, we essentially lay the foundation for subsequent efforts.In contrast, existentialism, a philosophical concept popularized by thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche, proposes that life has no predefined purpose or meaning. According to this theory, individuals are thrust into existence without any predetermined essence or set direction. In this context, the quote by Epictetus may appear contradictory. How can one claim to know what they want to be when existence itself lacks inherent meaning?However, a deeper reflection reveals a harmonious coexistence between these ideas. Though existentialism questions the existence of inherent purpose, it highlights the freedom and responsibility of individuals to create their own meaning. In this framework, Epictetus' quote aligns perfectly, emphasizing the importance of self-determination and deliberate intention in shaping our lives.By envisioning and affirming what we want to become, we assign meaning and purpose to our actions. We transcend the notion of an external objective and craft our own goals against the backdrop of existential ambiguity. In doing so, we exercise our freedom of choice and maintain agency over our lives.The integration of these seemingly contrasting ideas prompts deep introspection. We are challenged to explore the essence of our aspirations, considering whether they are products of societal expectations or genuine expressions of our authentic selves. This self-reflection adds another layer of complexity to Epictetus' quote, underscoring the need for personal alignment and authenticity in establishing our desired outcomes.Ultimately, both the quote by Epictetus and existentialism remind us of the significance of self-awareness and intentional action. Through introspection, we can uncover our true desires and develop a sense of purpose. While existentialism prompts us to navigate the existential void by forging our own meaning, Epictetus emphasizes the importance of clarifying this meaning before embarking on our journey.In the grand tapestry of personal growth and self-actualization, Epictetus' quote stands as a guiding light. It encourages us to first cultivate a clear vision of our aspirations, understanding that such clarity enables purposeful and effective action. Simultaneously, when juxtaposed with existentialism, the quote prompts us to seek our individual purpose amidst the abyss of existence. By acknowledging the freedom and responsibility to create our own meaning, we can harmonize these seemingly contrasting concepts, carving a path towards a more fulfilled existence.