This quote by Epictetus advises against excessive laughter or unrestrained amusement. The underlying principle here is one of moderation and self-control. The philosopher is not condemning laughter or joy, but rather the loss of self-restraint and dignity that can come with excessive, uninhibited laughter.

Epictetus, a stoic philosopher, believed in maintaining a steady, calm demeanor regardless of external circumstances. Stoicism teaches that we should strive to maintain our tranquility and peace of mind, regardless of what is happening around us. Unrestrained laughter, in this context, can be seen as a loss of this self-control, a deviation from tranquility.

However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean suppressing joy or happiness. Rather, it’s about experiencing these emotions without losing self-control or becoming excessively carried away.

In the context of today’s world, this quote might resonate with the idea of maintaining professional decorum or emotional stability. In personal development, it might be applied as a reminder to practice emotional regulation and not let our emotions, whether positive or negative, control us.

For example, in a professional setting, while it’s important to enjoy one’s work and have a sense of humor, excessive laughter might be seen as a lack of seriousness or professionalism. On a personal level, practicing self-restraint can help us maintain a balanced perspective, not getting overly carried away by momentary joys or disappointments.

In essence, Epictetus’s quote is a call for emotional balance and moderation, a reminder that while it’s important to experience joy and laughter, it’s equally important to do so in a way that maintains our dignity, self-control, and inner tranquility.