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Crows pick out the eyes of the dead, when the dead have no…

“Crows pick out the eyes of the dead, when the dead have no longer need of them; but flatterers mar the soul of the living, and her eyes they blind.” quote by Epictetus
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“Crows pick out the eyes of the dead, when the dead have no longer need of them; but flatterers mar the soul of the living, and her eyes they blind.”

Epictetus

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Flattery corrupts the living by obscuring their judgment, whereas death renders physical eyes irrelevant.

In simple terms: Flattery blinds the living.

Key Takeaway

Beware of insincere praise.

Themes

human nature virtue perception ethics wisdom

Mood

cautious reflective serious

Type

aphorism philosophical observation

When to use this quote

  • political counsel
  • workplace feedback
  • personal relationships
  • social media influence

Key Concepts

flattery soul vision integrity

Practical Applications

  • critical self‑assessment
  • cultivating authentic feedback

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does flattery affect your decisions?
  • What practices protect your inner clarity?
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