--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: REST.—If a man should be able to assent…" description: "\"“REST.—If a man should be able to assent to this doctrine as he ought, that we are all sprung from God in an especial manner, and that God is the fathe..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3de/epictetus-413_quote_rest-if-a-man-should-be-able-to-assent-t_1409838.jpg" --- # REST.—If a man should be able to assent to this doctrine… ![“REST.—If a man should be able to assent to this doctrine as he ought, that we are all sprung from God in an especial manner, and that God is the father both of men and of gods, I suppose that he would never have any ignoble or mean thoughts about himself. But if Cæsar (the emperor) should adopt…” quote by Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3de/epictetus-413_quote_rest-if-a-man-should-be-able-to-assent-t_1409838.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3de/epictetus-413_quote_rest-if-a-man-should-be-able-to-assent-t_1409838.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3de/epictetus-413_quote_rest-if-a-man-should-be-able-to-assent-t_1409838.jpg) > ““REST.—If a man should be able to assent to this doctrine as he ought, that we are all sprung from God in an especial manner, and that God is the father both of men and of gods, I suppose that he would never have any ignoble or mean thoughts about himself. But if Cæsar (the emperor) should adopt you, no one could endure your arrogance; and if you know that you are the son of Zeus, will you not be elated?”” [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. If we accept divine origin and superiority, we avoid arrogance; but claiming divine status leads to pride. **In simple terms:** Believing we’re special can cause pride; humility keeps us grounded. Key Takeaway Cultivate humility, avoid inflated self‑importance. Themes humility divine nature pride Mood contemplative serene Type philosophical ethical When to use this quote - leadership - personal development - spiritual practice Key Concepts philosophy ethics self‑perception Questions to Reflect On - What beliefs inflate your ego? - How can you practice humility daily? 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