"To accuse others for one's own misfortunes is a sign of want of education. To accuse oneself shows that one's education has begun. To accuse neither oneself nor others shows that one's education is complete"

This quote by Epictetus speaks with the significance of education and self-reflection. He recommends that when we are confronted with misery, our initial reaction can be to blame others. This is a sign of an illiteracy, as it implies that we are unable to take obligation for our own actions. On the other hand, if we are able to take responsibility for our bad luck, it shows that our education has begun. Lastly, if we have the ability to neither blame ourselves nor others, it shows that our education is complete. This implies that we have reached a level of understanding and self-awareness that permits us to accept our bad luck without appointing blame. Ultimately, this quote encourages us to strive for a higher level of education and self-reflection in order to reach a location of understanding and approval.