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

In this quote, Epicurus is highlighting the idea that it is absurd for an individual to rely solely on divine intervention or prayer to attain their goals or desires. He argues that rather of waiting for the gods to grant their desires, individuals need to do something about it and utilize their own capabilities and resources to get what they desire. This suggests that humans have the power and firm to shape their own lives and ought to not count on external forces to do so. Epicurus believed in the significance of self-reliance and taking control of one's own fate, rather than leaving it as much as the whims of the gods.