No thing great is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes… — Epictetus · Smartyfair

No thing great is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig.

Epictetus55–135 · philosopher · Ancient Rome (Greek Stoic)Epictetus was a Stoic philosopher who was born into slavery in the Roman Empire and later gained his freedom.1 quote

Source foundPerseveranceAncient

In plain words

Nothing good grows all at once, not fruit, and not you.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 85% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Discourses, I.15.7; Wikiquote sourced section.
Sources checked: en.wikiquote.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 20 August 2026Sourced Discourses section, I.15.7
gutenberg.orgChecked using claude-fable-5, 21 August 2026Discourses I.15, George Long translation (Selection edition) — primary reads 'Nothing great, said Epictetus, is produced suddenly, since not even the grape or the fig is.' Our stored wording is a different rendering of the same passage.

Nothing made from these words yet — Storyfaire is where they get made.

More on perseverance

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

Confucius Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

Lao Tzu Slow and steady wins the race.

Aesop Patience is the key to relief.Arabic proverb Drops of water hollow out a stone.

Ovid Few things are impossible to diligence and skill.

More history

In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.

Sun Tzu The wound is the place where the light enters you.

Rumi You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

Marcus Aurelius Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.

Marcus Aurelius An unexamined life is not worth living.

Socrates Wonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.