Epictetus: 'One that desires to excel should endeavor in those things that are in themselves most excellent.'

One that desires to excel should endeavor in those things that are in themselves most excellent.

The quote by Epictetus, "One that desires to excel should endeavor in those things that are in themselves most excellent," holds profound meaning and importance. In essence, it suggests that if one aspires to achieve greatness, they should focus their efforts on pursuits that are inherently valuable and virtuous. This concept urges individuals to consider the intrinsic worth of their goals and prioritize actions that align with moral and ethical principles.Epictetus, the Stoic philosopher, believed that true excellence is not measured by external achievements or superficial success but rather by the development of one's character and moral virtues. Thus, his quote emphasizes the significance of engaging in activities that reflect these higher ideals. By dedicating ourselves to practices that are inherently good, we can cultivate a sense of genuine fulfillment and leave a meaningful impact on the world.To further explore the depth of Epictetus's quote, let us delve into a philosophical concept that unveils an unexpected perspective on the pursuit of excellence. In existentialism, a branch of philosophy developed by Jean-Paul Sartre and others, the concept of "authenticity" emerges. Authenticity refers to the act of living in accordance with one's own values, beliefs, and passions, rather than conforming to societal expectations or external pressures.While Epictetus's quote emphasizes the pursuit of excellence within actions that are intrinsically excellent, existentialism adds a layer of individual subjectivity to the equation. It suggests that each person's journey towards excellence will be unique, as it is fundamentally shaped by their own values and personal sense of meaning. This perspective challenges the notion of a universal standard for excellence and encourages individuals to embrace their distinctive paths.In juxtaposing Epictetus's Stoic philosophy with existentialism, we can see a nuanced comparison and contrast. Both approaches uphold the significance of living a life of purpose and integrity, yet they diverge in their perspectives on what constitutes excellence. Stoicism advocates for engaging in actions that possess inherent goodness and moral value, emphasizing objective standards of virtue. On the other hand, existentialism highlights the importance of subjective authenticity, suggesting that personal values and individuality play a crucial role in defining excellence.While Epictetus's quote focuses on engaging in activities that are intrinsically excellent, the existentialist perspective sheds light on the importance of aligning our actions with our values and passions. It encourages us to embrace our unique strengths and talents as we strive towards excellence, emphasizing that our authentic self-expression is at the core of any truly meaningful endeavor.In conclusion, Epictetus's quote encourages individuals desiring to excel to channel their efforts into pursuits that possess inherent excellence. By seeking out actions that align with moral and ethical values, we can find fulfillment and leave a positive impact on the world. However, when juxtaposed with the existentialist concept of authenticity, we learn that the pursuit of excellence also requires embracing our individuality and aligning our actions with our personal values and passions. These philosophical perspectives offer a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to strive for excellence and serve as a guiding light on the path to personal and moral growth.