A good soul is a spring that never runs dry.
Epictetus, Fragment 2
The source
"A good soul is a spring that never runs dry." Epictetus said it in Fragment 2. Translated by George Long, 1877.
"A soul which is conversant with virtue is like an ever flowing source, for it is pure and tranquil and potable"George Long, 1877, Fragment 2. Ancient fragment attributed to Epictetus; authenticity disputed, so credit as "attributed to Epictetus".
Who said it
Epictetus (c. 50–135 AD). Born enslaved, became the most influential Stoic teacher of his age. His student Arrian wrote down the Discourses and the Enchiridion.
Questions
- Who said "A good soul is a spring that never runs dry."?
- Epictetus (c. 50–135 AD). Source: Fragment 2.
- What is the original wording?
- A soul which is conversant with virtue is like an ever flowing source, for it is pure and tranquil and potable (George Long, 1877). Translated by George Long, 1877.
Filed under Water.
Wear Epictetus
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I'll never be Milo. I still train.
Epictetus, Discourses 1.2.37
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More from Epictetus
- Some things are yours. Some aren't. Sort them first.Enchiridion 1
- To every scary thought: you're an appearance, not the real thing.Enchiridion 1
- Things don't upset people. Their opinions about things do.Enchiridion 5
- Rookies blame others. Learners blame themselves. Masters blame no one.Enchiridion 5
- Don't wish it went your way. Want it the way it goes, and flow.Enchiridion 8
- Never say "I lost it." Say "I gave it back."Enchiridion 11