The Via Stoica Podcast Stoic Quote: “First say to yourself, what manner of man you want to be; when you have settled this, act upon it in all you do.” Epictetus
The Via Stoica Podcast: Stoic Quotes Series
In this Stoic Quotes edition, we explore a powerful teaching from The Discourses of Epictetus, Book 3, Chapter 23.1:
“First say to yourself, what manner of man you want to be; when you have settled this, act upon it in all you do.”
In this episode, Benny breaks down why this quote remains one of the most practical and transformational insights from Epictetus. What kind of person do you want to be—not just in your work or relationships, but in every aspect of your life? This question is not about chasing external goals, but about choosing a set of values and consistently living by them.
Using the metaphor of an athlete preparing for the Olympics, Epictetus shows us that clarity of purpose must come first. Without it, we act at random or according to improper standards. With it, we find direction, consistency, and a deeper peace of mind. This episode guides you through how to identify your values, apply them in difficult moments, and grow from setbacks.
If you're looking for more Stoic quotes like this one, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of Stoic sayings, all verified and referenced for your own study and reflection:
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