This quote is frequently attributed to Epictetus, e.g. by Brigid Delaney, Six ways to make your life easier and more peaceful – by using stoic principles, The Guardian, 22 November 2023. This quotation originates from the 1995 book: The Art of Living: the classic manual on virtue, happiness, and effectiveness, page 23, by Sharon Lebell, a book which "interprets" Epictetus.

Other people’s views and troubles can be contagious. Don’t sabotage yourself by unwittingly adopting negative, unproductive attitudes through your associations with others.

— Epictetus

What It Means

This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "Other people’s views and troubles can be contagious. Don’t sabotage yourself by unwittingly adopting negative, unproductive attitudes through your associations with others." in the context of "This quote is frequently attributed to Epictetus, e.g. by Brigid Delaney, Six ways to make your life easier and more peaceful – by using stoic principles, The Guardian, 22 November 2023. This quotation originates from the 1995 book: The Art of Living: the classic manual on virtue, happiness, and effectiveness, page 23, by Sharon Lebell, a book which "interprets" Epictetus." to mean that wisdom is timeless.

Source: Wikiquote: "Epictetus" (Misattributed quotes) The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
Epictetus

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.