Power quote by Epicurus

"It is folly for a man to pray to the gods for that which he has the power to obtain by himself"

About this Quote

Epicurus’ observation addresses the nature of human agency and the tendency to seek external intervention for matters within our own control. When someone prays to the gods for something they have the power to obtain on their own, they relinquish responsibility for their own actions, hoping for divine intercession rather than engaging directly with the world. This approach not only diminishes personal autonomy but also prevents the individual from developing skills, resilience, and wisdom that come from confronting challenges.

The underlying implication is that humans often underestimate their own abilities, neglecting opportunities for self-reliance and growth by defaulting to superstition or passivity. Epicurus, as a philosopher, promoted the pursuit of happiness through self-sufficiency, rational thought, and the elimination of unnecessary fears, particularly those related to the gods and fate. By advocating that people should act instead of simply expecting results through prayer, he challenges us to critically evaluate the relationship between human effort and external power.

The folly that Epicurus refers to is not in the act of prayer itself but in the avoidance of personal responsibility. When an individual is capable of effecting change or achieving a goal, the proper course is action, not supplication. Relying solely on supernatural aid can lead to stagnation and the erosion of personal agency, reinforcing helplessness and dependency.

This perspective remains relevant in contemporary life. Many individuals look for outside intervention, whether from religion, fate, luck, or other externalities, when dealing with issues that could be addressed through personal initiative, learning, or perseverance. Epicurus urges people to recognize their own capacities and to act upon them, understanding that fulfillment and progress stem from engaging with our challenges directly, not from waiting passively for solutions. Ultimately, the wisdom lies in discerning when to take initiative and when, if ever, to ask for help beyond what we can achieve for ourselves.

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About the Author

Epicurus This quote is written / told by Epicurus between 341 BC and 271 BC. He was a famous Philosopher from Greece, the quote is categorized under the topic Power. The author also have 26 other quotes.
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