I was thinking today that my previous post was a bit glib and perpetuated an inaccurate stereotype of Stoic philosophy - exactly what Epictetus would have frowned upon. Stoicism is not inherently dour, joyless, or immature, as my comparison to a kid might have implied. So, I feel inclined to atone by including a few excerpts from Sharon Lebell's interpretation of Enchiridion. (The merit of an interpreted text is a whole 'nother kettle of fish.)
On the right use of books:
"Don't just say you have read books. Show that through them you have learned to think better, to be a more discriminating and reflective person. Books are training weights of the mind. They are very helpful, but it would be a bad mistake to suppose that one has made progress simply by having internalized their contents." (p.97)
"Try to be as kind to yourself as possible. Do not measure yourself against others or even against your ideal self. Human betterment is a gradual two-steps-forward, one-step-back effort. Forgive others for their misdeeds over and over again. This gesture fosters inner ease. Forgive yourself over and over and over again. Then try to do better next time." (p.99)
"How long can you afford to put off who you really want to be? Your nobler self cannot wait any longer." (p.79)
"Give your best and always be kind." (p.113)
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