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The material doesn't matter. What you do with it does.

Epictetus, Discourses 2.5.1

The source

"The material doesn't matter. What you do with it does." Epictetus said it in Discourses 2.5.1. Translated from the original Greek by Spartan Surfers.

"αἱ ὗλαι ἀδιάφοροι, ἡ δὲ χρῆσις αὐτῶν οὐκ ἀδιάφορος."

Original Greek, Discourses 2.5.1. Greek: Schenkl 1916 (Teubner) via Perseus.

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 material doesn't matter. What you do with it does."?
Epictetus (c. 50–135 AD). Source: Discourses 2.5.1.
What is the original Greek?
αἱ ὗλαι ἀδιάφοροι, ἡ δὲ χρῆσις αὐτῶν οὐκ ἀδιάφορος. Translated from the original Greek by Spartan Surfers.

Filed under Grit.

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