This quote refers to the concept of alignment or congruence between what we think, say, and do. It suggests that living a virtuous life involves ensuring that these three aspects of our existence are in harmony.
The first part, ‘thoughts’, refers to our beliefs, values, and attitudes. It’s about what we hold to be true or important. The second part, ‘words’, refers to our communication, how we express our thoughts and feelings to others. The third part, ‘deeds’, refers to our actions, how we behave in the world.
The quote is suggesting that to live a life of virtue, these three aspects should match up. That is, we should act in accordance with our beliefs and values, and our words should accurately reflect our thoughts and actions. This congruence leads to authenticity, as we are being true to ourselves and others.
In today’s world, this idea is particularly relevant. We live in a time where there is often a disconnect between what people say and what they do. For example, a person might profess to care about the environment, yet their actions (such as excessive consumption or waste) may not reflect this. Similarly, in the realm of politics, we often see a disconnect between what politicians say and what they do.
In terms of personal development, striving for congruence between thoughts, words, and deeds can lead to greater self-awareness, integrity, and authenticity. It can help us to become more honest with ourselves and others, and to live in a way that is consistent with our values. This can lead to greater satisfaction and fulfillment, as we are living in alignment with who we truly are.
However, achieving this congruence is not always easy. It requires ongoing self-reflection and self-honesty. We must continually check in with ourselves to ensure that our actions are in line with our values, and that our words accurately reflect our thoughts and actions. It’s a lifelong process, but one that can lead to a life of virtue, as Epictetus suggests.
