White mug with a red handle and interior, held above a sunlit wooden table, displaying “Don’t take pride in excellence that isn’t your own.”
White mug with a red interior and handle on the right, showing a black line portrait of Epictetus against a white background.
White mug with a red interior and handle on the left, displaying “Don’t take pride in excellence that isn’t your own.” against a white background.
Side view of a white mug with a red interior and handle facing forward, showing parts of the Epictetus portrait and quote on either side.
White mug with a dark blue interior and handle on the right, showing a black line portrait of Epictetus against a white background.
White mug with a dark blue interior and handle on the left, displaying “Don’t take pride in excellence that isn’t your own.” against a white background.
White mug with a green interior and handle on the right, showing a black line portrait of Epictetus against a white background.
White mug with a green interior and handle on the left, displaying “Don’t take pride in excellence that isn’t your own.” against a white background.
White mug with a red handle and interior, held above a sunlit wooden table, displaying “Don’t take pride in excellence that isn’t your own.”
White mug with a red interior and handle on the right, showing a black line portrait of Epictetus against a white background.
White mug with a red interior and handle on the left, displaying “Don’t take pride in excellence that isn’t your own.” against a white background.
Side view of a white mug with a red interior and handle facing forward, showing parts of the Epictetus portrait and quote on either side.
White mug with a dark blue interior and handle on the right, showing a black line portrait of Epictetus against a white background.
White mug with a dark blue interior and handle on the left, displaying “Don’t take pride in excellence that isn’t your own.” against a white background.
White mug with a green interior and handle on the right, showing a black line portrait of Epictetus against a white background.
White mug with a green interior and handle on the left, displaying “Don’t take pride in excellence that isn’t your own.” against a white background.

Epictetus "Don’t take pride in excellence that isn’t your own"

Take pride in what is truly yours.

For those who believe pride should be earned, not borrowed.

  • Coffee mug made from 100% glossy ceramic

  • 11 oz (0.33 L) capacity

  • Coffee mug with a quote inspired by ancient Greek philosophy and Stoicism

  • Features the quote “Don’t take pride in excellence that isn’t your own,” from Epictetus’ Enchiridion

  • Based on the teachings of Epictetus, a Stoic philosopher of the early 2nd century AD

Keep a reminder to ask, “Is this something I can truly take credit for?” Explore more mugs from the collection.

$19.99
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Size
Color Red
  • Easy 14-Day Returns
  • Ships Within Two Days
  • Shipping – Starts at $3.99

Download the free Enchiridion PDF

Lived: c. 50–135 AD, Hierapolis (Phrygia, modern-day Turkey); later Rome and Nicopolis, Greece

Known for: Born into slavery in the Roman Empire, he later gained his freedom and become a Stoic teacher who ran a philosophy school in Nicopolis. He taught students how to live with reason, discipline and self-control.

Famous for: He never wrote anything himself. His teachings survive through the recordings of his student Arrian, who preserved them in the Discourses and later compiled the shorter handbook known as the Enchiridion.

Note: The quote is a modern rendering of the opening sentence of Enchiridion, Chapter 6: “Don’t take pride in excellence that isn’t your own.” Epictetus distinguishes between the qualities of things we possess and our own character. He encourages us to take pride in how we judge and act, rather than in what belongs to us. Read this passage in context in our free modern English edition of the Enchiridion.

  • Material: Made from 100% ceramic with a glossy finish.
  • Capacity: 11 oz (0.33 L).
  • Color Accents: Colored handle and matching interior.
  • Handle: Easy-grip C-shaped handle.
  • Microwave Safe: Suitable for reheating your favorite drinks.

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