Epictetus, Golden Sayings of Epictetus, 172, as translated by Hastings Crossley.

When you have decided that a thing ought to be done, and are doing it, never shun being seen doing it, even though the multitude should be likely to judge the matter amiss. For if you are not acting rightly, shun the act itself; if rightly, however, why fear misplaced censure?

— Epictetus on Censure

What It Means

This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "When you have decided that a thing ought to be done, and are doing it, never shun being seen doing it, even though the multitude should be likely to judge the matter amiss. For if you are not acting rightly, shun the act itself; if rightly, however, why fear misplaced censure?" in the context of "Epictetus, Golden Sayings of Epictetus, 172, as translated by Hastings Crossley." to mean that wisdom is timeless.

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Source: Wikiquote: "Censure" (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.