"All philosophy lies in two words, sustain and abstain"
- Epictetus
About this Quote
Epictetus' quote is a suggestion of the significance of self-discipline and small amounts in life. He recommends that the secret to living a significant and satisfying life is to discover a balance between what we should sustain and what we should avoid. By sustaining the things that bring us pleasure and fulfillment, such as meaningful relationships, significant work, and healthy routines, we can create a life of function and satisfaction. On the other hand, by avoiding things that bring us harm, such as unhealthy routines, unfavorable relationships, and destructive behaviors, we can protect ourselves from unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, Epictetus' quote motivates us to find a balance in between what we need to sustain and what we should abstain from in order to live a life of function and satisfaction.
"I think philosophers can do things akin to theoretical scientists, in that, having read about empirical data, they too can think of what hypotheses and theories might account for that data. So there's a continuity between philosophy and science in that way"
