Epictetus - Call Things by their Right Names

When we name things correctly, we comprehend them correctly, without adding information or judgments that aren't there.  Does someone bathe quickly?  Don't say he bathes poorly, but quickly.  Name the situation as it is; don't filter it through your judgments.

Does someone drink a lot of wine?  Don't say she is a drunk but that she drinks a lot.  Unless you possess a comprehensive understanding of her life, how do you know if she is a drunk?

Do not risk being beguiled by appearances and constructing theories and interpretations based on distortions through misnaming.  Give your assent only to what is actually true.




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