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
people mind events
What disturbs people's minds are not events but their judgments on events.
reality habit pleasant
Nothing is in reality either pleasant or unpleasant by nature but all things become so through habit
heart wish masters
Your master is he who controls that on which you have set your heart or wish to avoid.
hurt choices consent
Don’t consent to be hurt and you won’t be hurt – this is a choice over which you have control
strength character might
If you have assumed a character above your strength, you have both acted in this matter in an unbecoming way, and you have neglected that which you might have fulfilled.
irritated remember judgment
If someone irritates you, it is only your own response that is irritating you. Therefore, when anyone seems to be provoking you, remember that it is only your judgment of the incident that provokes you. -
coping given lost
Never say of anything I have lost it, only say that I have given it back.
character men long
Each man's life is a kind of campaign, and a long and complicated one at that. You have to maintain the character of a soldier, and do each separate act at the bidding of the General.
coping difficulty
Nothing great comes into being all at once.
choices body legs
Sickness is a hindrance to the body, but not to your ability to choose, unless that is your choice. Lameness is a hindrance to the leg, but not to your ability to choose. Say this to yourself with regard to everything that happens, then you will see such obstacles as hindrances to something else, but not to yourself.
work progress looks
Never look for your work in one place and your progress in another.
life hate men
In theory it is easy to convince an ignorant person; in actual life, men not only object to offer themselves to be convinced, but hate the man who has convinced them.
life play actors
Remember that you are in actor in a play of such a kind that the author chooses...For this is your duty, to act well the part that is given to you; but to select the part belongs to another.
believe firsts would-be
If you would be good, first believe you are bad.