He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.
Epictetus
MEANING OF THIS QUOTE
No matter how rich or prosperous a person might be, there is bound to be something he covets but cannot have. This could be anything ranging from a material possession to good health. Constantly fretting over what one doesn’t have is a sure-shot recipe for distress and anguish. On the other hand, those who rejoice over what they actually have are at peace with themselves. Besides, the things we often take for granted in our everyday lives might just be a pipe dream for someone else. And this itself should be reason enough for us to be grateful for everything that makes our lives worth living.
DOES IT MEAN WE SHOULD BE CONTENT WITH WHAT WE HAVE AND STOP TRYING TO ACCOMPLISH MORE?
Yes and no. Appreciating what you have doesn’t mean stagnating in life. You should constantly strive to realize your potential and fulfill your dreams. That said, being ambitious in life doesn’t mean relentlessly grieving over the things you do not have. This not only makes you more gloomy and miserable, but also makes it harder for you to pursue your goals. People who are at peace with where they are in life can afford to pursue their goals without the fear of failure.
CONCLUSION
Satisfaction is a quality that many profess, but very few actually practice. In a world stuck in a rat race to outdo everyone else, it takes a lot of courage to stop and reflect on how fortunate we are to have what we do.
Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher. Known for his profound, insightful thoughts, Epictetus once wrote: “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”