"The two powers which in my opinion constitute a wise man are those of bearing and forbearing"
- Epictetus
About this Quote
Epictetus' quote speaks with the importance of having two essential qualities in order to be smart. Bearing and forbearing are two powers that are necessary for a sensible guy. Bearing describes the ability to withstand difficult situations and to stay strong in the face of hardship. It is the capability to remain resilient and to not be overwhelmed by the obstacles that life tosses at us. On the other hand, forbearing is the capability to be client and to not be quickly provoked. It is the ability to remain calm and composed in the face of provocation and to not be quickly swayed by feelings.
These 2 powers are necessary for a sensible man due to the fact that they permit him to remain level-headed and to make choices based upon reason and reasoning rather than on emotion. Bearing and forbearing also permit a wise man to stay humble and to not be easily swayed by pride or arrogance. They likewise allow him to stay unbiased and to be able to accept criticism and learn from his mistakes.
In conclusion, Epictetus' quote speaks to the value of having two essential qualities in order to be wise. Bearing and forbearing are 2 powers that are essential for a wise male because they enable him to stay level-headed and to make choices based upon factor and reasoning instead of on feeling. They also permit him to stay modest and to not be easily swayed by pride or conceit.