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
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.
inspirational humor men
Men are disturbed not by the things that happen, but by their opinion of the things that happen.
drinking exercise mind
It is the sign of a dull mind to dwell upon the cares of the body, to prolong exercise, eating and drinking and other bodily functions. These things are best done by the way; all your attention must be given to the mind.
men law special
Law intends indeed to do service to human life, but it is not able when men do not choose to accept her services; for it is only in those who are obedient to her that she displays her special virtue.
life wish demand
Don't demand or expect that events happen as you would wish them do. Accept events as they actually happen. That way, peace is possible.
depressing pain
It is not death or pain that is to be dreaded, but the fear of pain or death.
learning forgotten pleasure
What is learned without pleasure is forgotten without remorse.
giving be-kind kind
No great thing is created suddenly. There must be time. Give your best and always be kind.
inspiring attitude events
It is our attitude toward events, not events themselves, which we can control. Nothing is by its own nature calamitous -- even death is terrible only if we fear it.