Said Domitian Quote by Epictetus
““It was thus an excellent reply that the woman made when she wanted to send a boatload of provisions to the exiled Gratilla;* for when someone said to her, ‘Domitian will merely confiscate them,’ she replied, ‘Better that he should take them away than that I should fail to send them.””
About This Quote
Source Dialogue: Discourses of Epictetus, Book 2, 2.1
When faced with loss, better to accept removal than fail in the attempt to give;defend integrity over material loss
In simple terms: Choosing integrity over losing possessions
Key Takeaway
Prioritize moral duty over fear of loss
Themes
ethics
resilience
integrity
loss
decision making
Mood
determined
serene
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
motivational
When to use this quote
- declining unjust confiscation
- standing up for others
- making ethical choices under pressure
Key Concepts
Stoicism
moral philosophy
personal responsibility
Questions to Reflect On
- How would you act when your values conflict with authority?
- What sacrifices are worth making for integrity?
A Different Perspective
May ignore practical consequences of stubbornness
