No thing great is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen.
Whatever you would make habitual, practice it; and if you would not make a thing habitual, do not practice it, but accustom yourself to something else.
- Topic: Habits, Practice
- Location: California, La Jolla
- Photo: Jeffrey Benjamin
More Quotes from Epictetus
How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself?
Be not swept off your feet by the vividness of the impression, but say, “Impression, wait for me a little. Let me see what you are and what you represent. Let me try you.”
If someone succeeds in provoking you, realize that your mind is complicit in the provocation.
Just keep in mind: the more we value things outside our control, the less control we have.
More Quotes from California
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Feeling sorry for yourself, and your present condition, is not only a waste of energy but the worst habit you could possibly have.
It is a hard thing to leave any deeply routined life, even if you hate it.
Moral virtue is the child of habit.
The victory of success is half won when one gains the habit of setting and achieving goals.
Real excellence does not come cheaply. A certain price must be paid in terms of practice, patience, and persistence—natural ability notwithstanding.
To be able to practice five things everywhere under the heaven constitutes perfect virtue. . . gravity, generosity of soul, sincerity, earnestness and kindness.
Humility is a virtue all preach, none practice; and yet everybody is content to hear.
