# On Assuming a Character Beyond One's Strength explained — Short Works

> Chapter companion for Short Works by Epictetus.

## What happens

A brief, direct warning against taking on a role or persona that exceeds one's actual capabilities, which leads to both disgrace and the neglect of duties one could have successfully performed.

## Themes in this chapter

### Practical Ethics and Self-Discipline

Focuses on the practical necessity of self-knowledge and staying within the bounds of one's actual abilities to fulfill one's duties effectively.

## Character check-ins

### Epictetus

The author delivering the core admonition against overreaching one's capacities.

## Key lines

> If you have assumed a character above your strength, you have both acted in this matter in an unbecoming way, and you have neglected that which you might have fulfilled.

Taking on a role that is too big for you results in shameful failure and causes you to overlook the tasks you were actually capable of completing.

_A concise statement on the consequences of pride and lack of self-awareness in one's undertakings._

## Links

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