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One that desires to excel should endeavor in those things…

“One that desires to excel should endeavor in those things that are in themselves most excellent.” quote by Epictetus
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“One that desires to excel should endeavor in those things that are in themselves most excellent.”

Epictetus

About This Quote

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

Excellence comes from pursuing inherently excellent actions, not from external rewards or outcomes.

In simple terms: Do what is truly excellent.

Key Takeaway

Focus on intrinsic quality of actions.

Themes

virtue excellence self‑discipline intrinsic motivation

Mood

thoughtful inspirational

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

  • career decisions
  • skill development
  • leadership
  • personal ethics

Key Concepts

ethics stoicism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What actions do you consider intrinsically excellent?
  • How can you measure excellence without external metrics?
A Different Perspective

External validation can distract from true excellence.

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