The Stoic Manual

The Stoic Manual

Philosopher King Maxims On Taking Risks

Go for the uttermost. Fuck around and find out.

Stoic Philosophy's avatar
Stoic Philosophy
Apr 15, 2024
∙ Paid
naked man concrete statue
Photo of Hercules by Şafak Atalay on Unsplash

“What would have become of Hercules do you think if there had been no lion, hydra, stag or boar - and no savage criminals to rid the world of? What would he have done in the absence of such challenges?

Obviously he would have just rolled over in bed and gone back to sleep. So by snoring his life away in luxury and comfort he never would have developed into the mighty Hercules.

And even if he had, what good would it have done him? What would have been the use of those arms, that physique, and that noble soul, without crises or conditions to stir into him action?”

― Epictetus

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Stoic Philosophy.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 The Stoic Manual · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture