# CV explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

Epictetus advises on discerning between useful advice and harmful flattery, warning that flatterers merely echo the opinions of the powerful.

## Themes in this chapter

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

Focuses on the practical exercise of discernment in social interactions and the discipline required to reject pleasing falsehoods.

### Inner Freedom and Slavery

Implies that following flatterers enslaves one to the opinions of the powerful, whereas heeding useful advice supports inner freedom.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The speaker delivering the core advice on distinguishing useful counsel from flattery.

## Key lines

> Listen to those who wish to advise what is useful, but not to those who are eager to flatter on all occasions;

Give your ear to people who want to give you helpful advice, but ignore those who are always trying to flatter you.

_Direct instruction on selective listening._

> for the first really see what is useful, but the second look to that which agrees with the opinion of those who possess power, and imitating the shadows of bodies they assent to what is said by the powerful.

This is because the first group genuinely understands what is beneficial, while the second group only cares about aligning with the views of powerful people, mindlessly agreeing with them like shadows mimicking a body.

_Explains the motivation behind each type of speech, using a vivid metaphor for flattery._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se/chapters/cv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/epictetus_short_works_se/chapters