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Want to get back at an enemy? Live the best life you can.

Epictetus, Fragment 130

The source

"Want to get back at an enemy? Live the best life you can." Epictetus said it in Fragment 130. Translated by George Long, 1877.

"Epictetus being asked how a man should give pain to his enemy answered, By preparing himself to live the best life that he can"

George Long, 1877, Fragment 130. 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 "Want to get back at an enemy? Live the best life you can."?
Epictetus (c. 50–135 AD). Source: Fragment 130.
What is the original wording?
Epictetus being asked how a man should give pain to his enemy answered, By preparing himself to live the best life that he can (George Long, 1877). Translated by George Long, 1877.

Filed under Character.

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