Full Idea
Whoever has knowledge of good things would know how to love them; and how could he who cannot distinguish good things from evil still have to power to love? It follows that the wise man alone has the power to love.
Gist of Idea
Knowledge of what is good leads to love; only the wise, who distinguish good from evil, can love
Source
Epictetus (The Discourses [c.56], 2.22.03)
Book Reference
Epictetus: 'The Discourses, The Handbook, Fragments', ed/tr. Gill,C [Everyman 1995], p.133
A Reaction
A rather heartwarming remark, but hard to assess for its truth. Evil people are unable to love? Not even love a cat, or their favourite car? We would never call someone wise if they lacked love.