Epictetus Quotes
Avoid banquets which are given by strangers an ignorant persons. But if there is ever occasion to join them, let your attention be carefully fixed, that you slip not into the manner of the vulgar (the uninstructed).
Quotes to Explore
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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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Τίς εἶναι θέλεις, σαυτῷ πρῶτον εἰπέ: εἶθ' οὕτως ποίει ἃ ποιεῖς.
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Envy is the antagonist of the fortunate.
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Let no man think that he is loved by any who loveth none.
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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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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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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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The Beginning of Philosophy is a Consciousness of your own Weakness and inability in necessary things.
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Here is the beginning of philosophy: a recognition of the conflicts between men, a search for their cause, a condemnation of mere opinion .. . and the discovery of a standard of judgement.
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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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If virtue promises happiness, prosperity and peace, then progress in virtue is progress in each of these for to whatever point the perfection of anything brings us, progress is always an approach toward it.
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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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Don't be prideful with any excellence that is not your own.
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Make it your business to draw out the best in others by being an exemplar yourself.
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It is difficulties that show what men are. For the future, in case of any difficulty, remember that God, like a gymnastic trainer, has pitted you against a rough antagonist. For what end? That you may be an Olympic conqueror; and this cannot be without toil.
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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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Preach not to others what they should eat, but eat as becomes you and be silent.
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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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Fortify thyself with contentment: that is an impregnable stronghold.