Epictetus Quotes
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We are not to give credit to the many, who say that none ought to be educated but the free; but rather to the philosophers, who say that the well-educated alone are free.
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When you close your doors, and make darkness within, remember never to say that you are alone, for you are not alone; nay, God is within, and your genius is within. And what need have they of light to see what you are doing?
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When something happens, the only thing in your power is your attitude toward it. It is not the things that disturb us, but our interpretation of their significance. Things and people are not what we wish them to be nor are they what they seem to be. They are what they are.
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Suffering arises from trying to control what is uncontrollable, or from neglecting what is within our power.
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You will do the greatest service to the state if you shall raise, not the roofs of the houses, but the souls of the citizens: for it is better that great souls should dwell in small houses rather than for mean slaves to lurk in great houses.
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It is no easy thing for a principle to become a man's own unless each day he maintains it and works it out in his life.
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Never call yourself a philosopher, nor talk a great deal among the unlearned about theorems, but act conformably to them. Thus, at an entertainment, don't talk how persons ought to eat, but eat as you ought. For remember that in this manner Socrates also universally avoided all ostentation.
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I am not eternity, but a man; a part of the whole, as an hour is of the day.
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A ship should not be held by a single anchor; neither should life depend upon a single hope.
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If you wish to be a writer, write.
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Never say of anything I have lost it, only say that I have given it back.
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Never say about anything, "I have lost it," but only "I have given it back." Is your child dead? It has been given back. Is your wife dead? She has been returned.
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It is more necessary for the soul to be cured than the body; for it is better to die than to live badly.
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The beginning of philosophy is the recognition of the conflict between opinions.
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Each man's life is a kind of campaign, and a long and complicated one at that. You have to maintain the character of a soldier, and do each separate act at the bidding of the General.
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You bear God within you, poor wretch, and know it not.
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Let silence be your general rule; or say only what is necessary and in few words.
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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, and their motives may not be the highest.
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If evil be spoken of you and it be true, correct yourself, if it be a lie, laugh at it.
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Difficulty shows what men are.
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Ask yourself, "How are my thoughts, words and deeds affecting my friends, my spouse, my neighbour, my child, my employer, my subordinates, my fellow citizens?"
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Only the educated are free.
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When your thoughts, words, and deeds form a seamless fabric, you streamline your efforts and thus eliminate worry and dread.
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Freedom is the only worthy goal in life. It is won by disregarding things that lie beyond our control. Stop aspiring to be anyone other than your own best self: for that does fall within your control.