Epictetus
Epictetus
Epictetuswas a Greek-speaking Stoic philosopher. He was born a slave at Hierapolis, Phrygia, and lived in Rome until his banishment, when he went to Nicopolis in north-western Greece for the rest of his life. His teachings were written down and published by his pupil Arrian in his Discourses and Enchiridion...
NationalityGreek
ProfessionPhilosopher
wise realizing
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.
mistake book thinking
Don't just say you have read books. Show that through them you have learned to think better, to be a more discriminating and reflective person. Books are the training weights of the mind. They are very helpful, but it would be a bad mistake to suppose that one has made progress simply by having internalized their contents." Translation by Sharon Lebell
goal desire body
Within our control are our own opinions, aspirations, and desires and the demons that distract us from these goals. Outside of our control are such things as what kind of body we have, whether or not we are born into wealth, and how we are regarded by others.
lunch dying hours
I have to die. If it is now, well then I die now; if later, then now I will take my lunch, since the hour for lunch has arrived - and dying I will tend to later.
positive happiness thank-you
He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.
happiness moving-on attitude
It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.
positive uplifting money
Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.
communication philosophical speech
First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.
fathers-day teacher teaching
Be careful to leave your sons well instructed rather than rich, for the hopes of the instructed are better than the wealth of the ignorant.
life lying freedom-and-happiness
Freedom and happiness are won by disregarding things that lie beyond our control.
fighting understanding limits
Freedom isn't the right or ability to do whatever you please. Freedom comes from understanding the limits of our own power and the inherent limits set in place by nature. By accepting life's limits and inevitabilities and working with them rather than fighting them, you become truly free.
life stupid silly
If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.
merit triumph concerned
Don't be concerned who is watching you. The triumphs and merits of others belong to them - as do yours to you. Make the most of what you've got.
kindness communication compassion
We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.