--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Epictetus told his students, when they’d…" description: "\"“Epictetus told his students, when they’d quote some great thinker, to picture themselves observing the person having sex. It’s funny, you should try i..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be3/ryan-holiday-514_having-sex_epictetus-told-his-students-when-they-d_780180.jpg" --- # Epictetus told his students, when they’d quote some great… ![“Epictetus told his students, when they’d quote some great thinker, to picture themselves observing the person having sex. It’s funny, you should try it the next time someone intimidates you or makes you feel insecure. See them in your mind, grunting, groaning, and awkward in their private…” quote by Ryan Holiday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be3/ryan-holiday-514_having-sex_epictetus-told-his-students-when-they-d_780180.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be3/ryan-holiday-514_having-sex_epictetus-told-his-students-when-they-d_780180.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/be3/ryan-holiday-514_having-sex_epictetus-told-his-students-when-they-d_780180.jpg) > ““Epictetus told his students, when they’d quote some great thinker, to picture themselves observing the person having sex. It’s funny, you should try it the next time someone intimidates you or makes you feel insecure. See them in your mind, grunting, groaning, and awkward in their private life—just like the rest of us.”” [Ryan Holiday](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ryan-holiday/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Imagining a revered figure in a mundane, flawed state can reduce intimidation and foster confidence. **In simple terms:** Picture great people as ordinary to feel less insecure. Key Takeaway Use humor to deflate ego. Themes confidence humor stoicism Mood reflective playful Type philosophical motivational When to use this quote - public speaking - social anxiety - conflict situations Key Concepts psychology perspective self‑esteem Questions to Reflect On - What if you saw a role model in a vulnerable moment? - How does humor change your reaction to intimidation? A Different Perspective May oversimplify complex ideas or offend believers. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Next time](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/next-time/) [Sexuality](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sexuality/) ## Related quotes > [Sex is funny and love is serious.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephan-jenkins/sex-is-funny-and-love-is-serious/) [Stephan Jenkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephan-jenkins/) > [I mean sex can be funny for heaven's sake.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mark-bonnar/i-mean-sex-can-be-funny-for-heaven-s-sake/) [Mark Bonnar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mark-bonnar/) > [Sex is always funny. I don't find it sexy, I find it really horrifying. But it's an act that we need. 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