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The best: calm inside, fighting hardest outside.

Epictetus, Fragment 160

The source

"The best: calm inside, fighting hardest outside." Epictetus said it in Fragment 160. Translated by George Long, 1877.

"Whoever are least disturbed in mind by calamities, and in act struggle most against them, these are the best men"

George Long, 1877, Fragment 160. 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 "The best: calm inside, fighting hardest outside."?
Epictetus (c. 50–135 AD). Source: Fragment 160.
What is the original wording?
Whoever are least disturbed in mind by calamities, and in act struggle most against them, these are the best men (George Long, 1877). Translated by George Long, 1877.

Filed under Grit.

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