Association Quote by Epictetus
“Other people's views and troubles can be contagious. Don't sabotage yourself by unwittingly adopting negative, unproductive attitudes through your associations with others.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Discourses by Epictetus, c. 108 AD
The attitudes and problems of those around you can spread to you, so guard against adopting harmful mindsets from your social circle.
In simple terms: Other people's negativity can affect you.
Key Takeaway
Choose positive influences.
Themes
self‑control
influence
mindset
Mood
reflective
cautious
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- workplace
- friendships
- family gatherings
- online communities
Key Concepts
Stoicism
social contagion
Questions to Reflect On
- Who in your life consistently lifts you up?
- How do you set boundaries with toxic attitudes?
A Different Perspective
Negative influence can be subtle and hard to detect.
![“[T]here are, at bottom, basically two ways to order social affairs, Coercively, through the mechanisms of the state - what we can call political society. And voluntarily, through the private interaction of individuals and associations - what we can call civil society. ... In a civil society, you…” quote by Ed Crane](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b8b/ed-crane-39299_affair_t-here-are-at-bottom-basically-two-ways_34431.jpg)
