Welcome back to another episode of Writer’s Quote Wednesday, hosted by Silver Threading. Today’s Quote is from Epicurus:
“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not…”
There is nothing more arrogant than not accepting or appreciating what we have in the moment in which we have it. In a world of instant gratification we are always looking for the next big thing. Even the small things. Did you pay your rent or mortgage this month? Good, enjoy your home. Why worry about next month when that moment has not yet arrived? And who said you will live to see it? At one point you could only dream of owning a home or renting one this beautiful, don’t ruin it by desiring something that is not yet in your reach, or in your time to possess.
People and situations, no matter how exciting or distraught, come into our lives for a reason. Everyone you meet and everything you encounter has something to teach you. Sometimes we forget to take things as they are. An ugly situation must be accepted for what it is before we can properly act on it, and to navigate that situation. An ugly person even has to be accepted for who they are, for in the twisted way of things, even they have something to teach us.
About the Author:
Today’s quote is a new one for me because I don’t really get into the whole philosophy thing. But Epicurus was an ancient Greek philosopher as well as the founder of the school of philosophy called Epicureanism. Only a few fragments and letters of Epicurus’s 300 written works remain. I chose this quote not for its author but for the quote itself. I don’t know much about Epicurus nor am I a fan of his but that fact became, unintentionally, symbolic in and of itself. For example: According to Wikipedia:
Epicurus is a key figure in the development of science and scientific methodology because of his insistence that nothing should be believed, except that which was tested through direct observation and logical deduction.”
While I absolutely disagree, I was still able to learn something from the quote itself and apply it to my personal walk in a way that is relevant to me without sacrificing my understanding or being redirected.
Thanks for joining us for another episode of Writer’s Quote Wednesday! Be sure to run on over to Silver Threading to see what the fun is all about.
http://silverthreading.com/2015/03/18/writers-quote-wednesdayoscar-wilde/
The PBS Blog 
Wow this does speak volumes. I try to tell my closest friends don’t let your current needs and wants blind you from the accomplishments already achieved. In due time. This is exactly what this post reminds me of. And to be honest some of these things are easier said than done especially when you have the best of others interest in mind. I realize that even I fall privy to the occasional desiring of the things I have not.
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Very true, a lot of things are easier said than done, but I think that is what makes the fight so worth it because the victory is so much sweeter after a good struggle than if it didn’t take much effort. Show me a better teacher than pain. Thank you for always leaving your thoughts on the table.
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Good conversation pieces my pleasure and I add I definitely agree
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This was an excellent quote and an excellent explanation… as usual! I love it. Thank you so much for always sharing quotes that make me pause and reflect on life. ❤
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🙂
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