Epictetus Quotes
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From this instant on, vow to stop disappointing yourself. Separate yourself from the mob. Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do -- now.
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Seek not the good in external things;seek it in yourselves.
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Envy is the antagonist of the fortunate.
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There is but one way to tranquility of mind and happiness, and that is to account no external things thine own, but to commit all to God.
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Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not. It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can and can't control that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible.
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The Beginning of Philosophy is a Consciousness of your own Weakness and inability in necessary things.
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Τίς εἶναι θέλεις, σαυτῷ πρῶτον εἰπέ: εἶθ' οὕτως ποίει ἃ ποιεῖς.
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Study how to give as one that is sick: that thou mayest hereafter give as one that is whole. Fast; drink water only; abstain altogether from desire, that thou mayest hereafter confirm thy desire to Reason. (101).
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Other people's views and troubles can be contagious. Don't sabotage yourself by unwittingly adopting negative, unproductive attitudes through your associations with others.
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Let death and exile, and all other things which appear terrible be daily before your eyes, but chiefly death, and you win never entertain any abject thought, nor too eagerly covet anything.
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Events do not just happen, but arrive by appointment.
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Freedom is not procured by a full enjoyment of what is desired, but by controlling the desire.
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Dare to look up to God and say, 'Make use of me for the future as Thou wilt. I am of the same mind; I am one with Thee. I refuse nothing which seems good to Thee. Lead me whither Thou wilt. Clothe me in whatever dress Thou wilt.'
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It is the nature of the wise to resist pleasures, but the foolish to be a slave to them.
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Let no man think that he is loved by any who loveth none.
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If you wish to be good, first believe that you are bad.
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It is difficulties that show what men are.
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Think of God more often than thou breathest.
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If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.
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Preach not to others what they should eat, but eat as becomes you and be silent.
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The two powers which in my opinion constitute a wise man are those of bearing and forbearing.
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If you hear that someone is speaking ill of you, instead of trying to defend yourself you should say: 'He obviously does not know me very well, since there are so many other faults he could have mentioned.'
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Don't be prideful with any excellence that is not your own.
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Imagine for yourself a character, a model personality, whose example you determine to follow, in private as well as in public.