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
inspirational wisdom fall
Difficulty shows what men are. Therefore when a difficulty falls upon you, remember that God, like a trainer of wrestlers, has matched you with a rough young man. Why? So that you may become an Olympic conqueror; but it is not accomplished without sweat.
business philosophy thinking
What is the first business of one who practices philosophy? To get rid of self-conceit. For it is impossible for anyone to begin to learn that which he thinks he already knows.
philosophical passion thee
Control thy passions lest they take vengence on thee.
philosophical religion treasure
Unless we place our religion and our treasure in the same thing, religion will always be sacrificed.
thinking pay-the-price choices
It is unreasonable to think we can earn rewards without being willing to pay their true price. It is always our choice whether or not we wish to pay the price for life's rewards.
philosophical evil religion
There is nothing good or evil save in the will.
being-yourself issues may
You may be always victorious if you will never enter into any contest where the issue does not wholly depend upon yourself.
silence speech quiet
Silence is safer than speech.
life envy attention
Keep your attention focused entirely on what is truly your own concern, and be clear that what belongs to others is their business and none of yours.
attitude views people
Other people's views and troubles can be contagious. Don't sabotage yourself by unwittingly adopting negative, unproductive attitudes through your associations with others.
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.
evil special able
The cause of all human evils is the not being able to apply general principles to special cases.
unendurable irrational rational
To the rational being only the irrational is unendurable, but the rational is endurable.
life education appreciation
Only the educated are free.