Discourses, About Freedom — In Plain English

Epictetus — The Slave

So while God has let you stay, you've watched the show and celebrated. When he leads you out, won't you go with gratitude and thanks for what you've experienced? "No," you say, "I want to keep enjoying the feast." People at religious ceremonies want to stay longer too. So do spectators at the Olympics who want to see more athletes compete. But the ceremony is over. Leave like a grateful and humble person. Make room for others. Other people need to be born, just like you were. And once they're born, they need space, homes, and basic necessities. If the first generation never leaves, what's left for the rest? Why can't you get enough? Why aren't you satisfied? Why do you want to squeeze the world? "But I want my children and wife with me."

Epictetus — The Slave Original

Will you not then, as long as you have been permitted, after seeing the spectacle and the solemnity, when he leads you out, go with adoration of him and thanks for what you have heard and seen? No; but I would still enjoy the feast. The initiated too would wish to be longer in the initiation; and perhaps also those at Olympia to see other athletes. But the solemnity is ended; go away like a grateful and modest man; make room for others; others also must be born, as you were, and, being born, they must have a place, and houses, and necessary things. And if the first do not retire, what remains? Why are you insatiable? Why are you not content? why do you contract the world? Yes, but I would have my little children with me and my wife.