It is not the things themselves that disturb people but their judgements about those things
~ Epictetus / Courtesy Philosophersmag
Epictetus on Anger
Any person capable of angering you becomes your master.
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Luxury
“In things that pertain to the body take only as much as your bare need requires, I mean such things as food, drink, clothing, and shelter; but cut down everything which is for outward show or luxury.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Misfortune
“On the occasion of every accident that befalls you, remember to turn to yourself and inquire what power you have for turning it to use.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Character
“As you are careful when you walk not to step on a nail or turn your ankle, so you should take care not to do any injury to your character at the same time.”
~Epictetus
Epictetus on Contests
“You will never have to experience defeat if you avoid contests whose outcome is outside your control.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Over-Reaching
“If you undertake a role which is beyond your powers, you both disgrace yourself in that one, and at the same time neglect the role which you might have filled with success.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Acceptance
What, then, is to be done? To make the best of what is in our power, and take the rest as it naturally happens.
~ Epictetus / (Discourses, 1.1.17)
Epictetus on Agency
” … not within our power are our body, our property, our reputation, office, and, in a word, whatever is not our own doing.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Happiness
“The essence of philosophy is that a man should live so that his happiness depends as little as possible from external causes.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Habits
“If you like doing something, do it regularly; if you don’t like doing something, make a habit of doing something different.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Hope
“Neither should a ship rely on one small anchor, nor should life rest on a single hope.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Difficulties
“However he may treat me, I must deal rightly by him. This is what lies with me, what none can hinder.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Discipline
“No man is free who is not master of himself.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Attention
“You become what you give your attention to … If you yourself don’t choose what thoughts and images you expose yourself to, someone else will.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Progress
“The chance for progress, to keep or lose, turns on the events of a single day.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Temptation
“Counter temptation by remembering how much better will be the knowledge that you resisted.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Desire
“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Patience
“Nothing important comes into being overnight; even grapes or figs need time to ripen. If you say that you want a fig now, I will tell you to be patient.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Keeping Good Company
“The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Perseverance
“Progress is not achieved by luck or accident, but by working on yourself daily.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Approval
“If you are ever tempted to look for outside approval, realize that you have compromised your integrity. If you need a witness, be your own.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Learning
“If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Character
Circumstances don’t make the man, they only reveal him to himself.
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Autonomy
“Our salvation and our loss is in ourselves.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Moderation
“If one oversteps the bounds of moderation, the greatest pleasures cease to please.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Reputation
If evil be spoken of you and it be true, correct yourself, if it be a lie, laugh at it.
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Failings
“When you are offended at any man’s fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Circumspection
“First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Desires
“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Power
“Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.”
~ Epictetus
Epictetus on Happiness
“The essence of philosophy is that a man should live so that his happiness depends as little as possible from external causes”
~ Epictetus