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
thinking who-i-am laughing
I laugh at those who think they can damage me. They do not know who I am, they do not know what I think, they cannot even touch the things which are really mine and with which I live.
inspirational trying-something-new capable
Unremarkable lives are marked by the fear of not looking capable when trying something new.
positive challenges body
Nothing truly stops you. Nothing truly holds you back. For your own will is always within your control. Sickness may challenge your body. But are you merely your body? Lameness may impede your legs. But you are not merely your legs. Your will is bigger than your legs. Your will needn't be affected by an incident unless you let it.
life men thinking
Let no man think that he is loved by any who loveth none.
running anger men
In the long run, every man will pay the penalty for this own misdeeds.
fall failure failing
Appear to know only this--never to fail nor fall.
deeds virtue
To live a life of virtue, match up your thoughts, words, and deeds.
mind body advertising
If a person had delivered up your body to some passer-by, you would certainly be angry. And do you feel no shame in delivering up your own mind to any reviler, to be disconcerted and confounded?
giving may attention
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.
character role-models way
One of the best ways to elevate your character is to emulate worthy role models
taught theory hinder
In theory there is nothing to hinder our following what we are taught;but in life there are many things to draw us aside.
thinking trying saws
Watch yourself as you go about your daily business and later reflect on what you saw, trying to identify the sources of distress in your life and thinking about how to avoid that distress.
firsts needs want
First tell yourself what you want to be, then do what you need to do.
life names giving
When we name things correctly, we comprehend them correctly, without adding information or judgements that aren't there. Does someone bathe quickly? Don't say be bathes poorly, but quickly. Name the situation as it is, don't filter it through your judgments. Give your assent only to that which is actually true.