Enchiridion 33e: Bad Company Corrupts Good Morals

"Avoid public and vulgar entertainments; but if ever an occasion calls you to them, keep your attention upon the stretch, that you may not imperceptibly slide into vulgarity. For be assured that if a person be ever so pure himself, yet, if his companion be corrupted, he who converses with him will be corrupted likewise." (Epictetus, Enchiridion 33e)

Vulgarity only demonstrates lack of personal control and knowledge of vocabulary. Set a high standard, one of dignity, of self-mastery. Nobody lingers around what is putrid. What is gained by fetid language or entertainment? 

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