Epictetus Quotes
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It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.
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Freedom and slavery, the one is the name of virtue, and the other of vice, and both are acts of the will.
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Things true and evident must of necessity be recognized by those who would contradict them.
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If a person gave your body to any stranger he met on his way, you would certainly be angry. And do you feel no shame in handing over your own mind to be confused and mystified by anyone who happens to verbally attack you? (28) tr. Elizabeth Carter
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No one who is in a state of fear or sorrow or tension is free, but whosoever is delivered from sorrows or fears or anxieties is at the same time delivered from servitude.
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Let silence be your general rule; or say only what is necessary and in few words.
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Wherever any one is against his will, that is to him a prison.
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The wise realize that some things are within their control, and most things are not. They learn early on to distinguish between what they can and can't regulate.
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Remember that you are an actor in a drama of such sort as the Author chooses: if short, then in a short one; if long, then in a long one. If it be His pleasure that you should enact a poor man, or a cripple, or a ruler, or a private citizen, see that you act it well. For this is your business, to act well the given part. But to choose it belongs to Another.
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Nature hath given men one tongue but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.
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Does a Philosopher apply to people to come and hear him? does he not rather, of his own nature, attract those that will be benefited by him-like the sun that warms, and the food that sustains them? (120).
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Never look for your work in one place and your progress in another.
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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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Happiness and personal fulfillment are the natural consequences of doing the right thing.
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Happiness is an equivalent for all troublesome things.
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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.
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Books are the training weights of the mind.
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Think of God oftener than you breathe.
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An ignorant person is inclined to blame others for his own misfortune. To blame oneself is proof of progress. But the wise man never has to blame another or himself.
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Some things are in our control and others not. Things in our control are opinion, pursuit, desire, aversion, and, in a word, whatever are our own actions. Things not in our control are body, property, reputation, command, and, in one word, whatever are not our own actions.
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Let not another's disobedience to Nature become an ill to you; for you were not born to be depressed and unhappy with others, but to be happy with them. And if any is unhappy, remember that he is so for himself; for God made all men to enjoy felicity and peace.
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If I can acquire money and also keep myself modest and faithful and magnanimous, point out the way, and I will acquire it.
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You are a principal work, a fragment of [Goddess herself], you have in yourself a part of [her]. Why then are you ignorant of your high birth?
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Act your part with honor.