--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is not reasonings that are wanted now…" description: "\"“It is not reasonings that are wanted now for there are books stuffed full of stoical reasonings. What is wanted, then? The man who shall apply them; w..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b5b/epictetus-413_books_it-is-not-reasonings-that-are-wanted-now_1080118.jpg" --- # It is not reasonings that are wanted now for there are… ![“It is not reasonings that are wanted now for there are books stuffed full of stoical reasonings. What is wanted, then? The man who shall apply them; whose actions may bear testimony to his doctrines. Assume this character for me, that we may no longer make use in the schools of the examples of the…” quote by Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b5b/epictetus-413_books_it-is-not-reasonings-that-are-wanted-now_1080118.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b5b/epictetus-413_books_it-is-not-reasonings-that-are-wanted-now_1080118.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b5b/epictetus-413_books_it-is-not-reasonings-that-are-wanted-now_1080118.jpg) > ““It is not reasonings that are wanted now for there are books stuffed full of stoical reasonings. What is wanted, then? The man who shall apply them; whose actions may bear testimony to his doctrines. Assume this character for me, that we may no longer make use in the schools of the examples of the ancients, but may have some examples of our own.”” [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. True wisdom requires living according to principles, not merely studying them; action validates doctrine. **In simple terms:** Actions prove beliefs, not just study. Key Takeaway Live your teachings. Themes philosophy action education Mood reflective determined Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - personal development - teaching - leadership - self‑improvement Key Concepts Stoicism practical wisdom Questions to Reflect On - How can you embody your values daily? - What actions would prove your beliefs? A Different Perspective Theory alone cannot change behavior. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Books](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/books/) ## Related quotes > [Our reasonings grasp at straws for premises and float on gossamers for deductions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alfred-north-whitehead/our-reasonings-grasp-at-straws-for-premises-and-float-on-gossamers/) [Alfred North Whitehead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alfred-north-whitehead/) > [“reasonings on this subject can only be drawn from effects to causes; and that every argument, deducted from causes to effects, must of necessity…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-hume/reasonings-on-this-subject-can-only-be-drawn-from-effects-to-causes/) [David Hume](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-hume/) > [Love is not a product of reasonings and statistics. 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