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“ ”Be the same person in public as in private. Speak only what is useful and beneficial. In conversation, avoid idle chatter about horse races, athletes, celebrities, food, and drink. Refuse to participate in gossip — tearing down, inflating, and judging other people. Among friends, shift the conversation to worthy topics; among strangers, stay silent.
About Epictetus
Epictetus (c. 55 – c. 135 AD), born a slave, was a Greek Stoic philosopher. His words were recorded by his student Arrian in the Discourses and Enchiridion written in the early 2nd-century.
Biography information from Wikiquote
Shorter versions of this quote
Be the same person in public as in private.
Refuse to participate in gossip — tearing down, inflating, and judging other people.
Additional quotes by Epictetus
Don’t look for it in externals; it isn’t in the body, and, if you doubt me, just look at Myron or Ophellius. It isn’t in wealth, look at Croesus, or look at the rich of today: you’ll see how unhappy they are.
I will put you in chains.' What's that you say, friend? It's only my leg you will chain, not even God can conquer my will.
We don't need the victim's entrails for their own sake, only for the sake of the signs they convey. And we don't worship the crow or the raven — we worship God who communicates by means of them.