Choose the life that is noblest, for custom can make it sweet to thee.

What did Epictetus mean by:

Choose the life that is noblest, for custom can make it sweet to thee.

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The quote “Choose the life that is noblest, for custom can make it sweet to thee” is a profound reflection on the power of choice and habit in shaping our lives. It suggests that we should strive for a life of nobility, one that is guided by virtues such as integrity, courage, and wisdom. The nobility here refers not to a social or hereditary status, but to a moral and ethical quality that each of us can cultivate.

The second part of the quote, “for custom can make it sweet to thee”, is an acknowledgement of the role of habit or custom in our lives. It implies that even if the noble path seems difficult or bitter at first, through consistent practice and habituation, it can become enjoyable or ‘sweet’. The idea is that our perceptions and experiences of life are largely shaped by our habits and customs. When we consistently act in noble ways, this becomes our ‘custom’ and thus, it feels natural and enjoyable to us.

In today’s world, this quote can be applied in various contexts. For instance, in personal development, it encourages us to choose actions and habits that align with our highest values and ideals, even if they seem difficult initially. It suggests that through consistent practice, we can develop a taste for these noble actions and they can become a source of joy and fulfillment for us.

In the context of societal issues, it could be interpreted as a call for us to strive for a more just and equitable society. Even if such a society seems hard to achieve, through collective action and habituation, we can make it a reality and it can become ‘sweet’ or desirable to us.

In a nutshell, the quote is a powerful reminder that we have the power to shape our lives and our societies through our choices and habits. It encourages us to aim high, to choose the noble path, and to trust in the transformative power of custom to make this path enjoyable for us.

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