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
self-improvement improvement
God has entrusted me with myself.
life finding-yourself matter
No matter where you find yourself, comport yourself as if you were a distinguished person.
running laughing fortune-cookie
He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at.
fate self cities
To Epictetus, all external events are determined by fate, and are thus beyond our control, but we can accept whatever happens calmly and dispassionately. Individuals, however, are responsible for their own actions which they can examine and control through rigorous self-discipline. Suffering arises from trying to control what is uncontrollable, or from neglecting what is within our power. As part of the universal city that is the universe, human beings have a duty of care to all fellow humans. The person who followed these precepts would achieve happiness.
adversity people littles
Common and vulgar people ascribe all ills that they feel to others; people of little wisdom ascribe to themselves; people of much wisdom, to no one.
motivational lying men
The good or ill of a man lies within his own will.
inspirational life motivational
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.
philosophical writing wish
If you wish to be a writer, write.
life stupid silly
If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.
inspirational beauty being-yourself
Know, first, who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly.
life attitude accepting
When something happens, the only thing in your power is your attitude toward it; you can either accept it or resent it.
life asking good-person
What is a good person? One who achieves tranquillity by having formed the habit of asking on every occasion, "what is the right thing to do now?"
anchors ships should
A ship should not be held by a single anchor; neither should life depend upon a single hope.
philosophical believe desire
If you desire to be good, begin by believing that you are wicked.