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
mean victory invincible
If you seek truth you will not seek victory by dishonorable means, and if you find truth you will become invincible.
life education teaching
To accuse others for one's own misfortunes is a sign of want of education. To accuse oneself shows that one's education has begun. To accuse neither oneself nor others shows that one's education is complete.
independent authentic-happiness conditions
Authentic happiness is always independent of external conditions.
leadership draws
Make it your business to draw out the best in others by being an exemplar yourself.
inspirational matter advantage
No matter what happens, it is within my power to turn it to my advantage.
inspirational contentment fortresses
Fortify yourself with contentment, for this is an impregnable fortress.
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.