'No great thing is created suddenly' - Epictetus

Epictetus, the Greek philosopher, once said, “No great thing is created suddenly.” This quote suggests that achieving greatness takes time, patience, and perseverance. It is a reminder that success is not an overnight process, and it requires consistent efforts and dedication.

Many people today seek instant gratification and desire to achieve their goals immediately. However, Epictetus’s words suggest that genuine success is the result of long-term growth and hard work. Whether it is excelling in academics, sports, or any other field, one must be willing to put in the effort and consistently work towards achieving goals.

Likewise, we can see this quote reflected in the life stories of many famous people throughout history. For instance, take the famous painter Vincent van Gogh, who only sold one painting during his lifetime. But he never gave up his passion for painting and continued to create despite facing criticism from his peers. It was only after Van Gogh’s death that his work gained widespread recognition, and he became one of the most celebrated artists in history.

Similarly, Thomas Edison, the inventor of the lightbulb, faced numerous failures before finally succeeding. He once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Edison’s story is a testament to the fact that success is not always achieved in one go, but it is the result of constant experimentation, learning from failures, and pushing oneself to keep going.

Many entrepreneurs have also experienced the same. Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, started his company in 1994 and did not attain a profit until 2001. However, he remained committed to his goals and continued to work hard, resulting in Amazon becoming one of the most successful companies in history.

In conclusion, Epictetus’s quote “No great thing is created suddenly” is a reminder that success is a journey, not a destination. Achieving greatness requires patience, perseverance, and hard work. Whether it’s in academics, sports, or any other field, we must be willing to put in sustained effort and remain committed to our goals. Remember, every great accomplishment requires time, effort, and resilience, but the journey itself can be rewarding and worthwhile.

Who is “Epictetus”?

Epictetus was an ancient Greek philosopher who lived from 50 CE to 135 CE. He was born a slave in Phrygia (modern-day Turkey) and eventually gained his freedom. He founded the Stoic school of philosophy and is best known for his emphasis on personal ethics and the importance of living in accordance with nature. His teachings have had a profound influence on Western philosophy and continue to be studied and admired today.

Are there any books about “Epictetus”?

Yes, there are several books about Epictetus. Here are a few of them:

1. “The Discourses of Epictetus” translated by Robin Hard
2. “The Handbook (Enchiridion)” by Epictetus translated by Nicholas White
3. “Epictetus: A Stoic and Socratic Guide to Life” by A. A. Long
4. “Epictetus: A Stoic’s Journey to Freedom” by Brian Johnson
5. “The Art of Living: The Classical Manual on Virtue, Happiness, and Effectiveness” by Epictetus (translated by Sharon Lebell)

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