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
needs vow disappointing
From this instant on, vow to stop disappointing yourself. Separate yourself from the mob. Decide to be extraordinary and do what you need to do -- now.
love true-friend lying
If evil be spoken of you and it be true, correct yourself, if it be a lie, laugh at it.
happiness moving-on attitude
It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.
events opinion habit
Be careful whom you associate with. It is human to imitate the habits of those with whom we interact. We inadvertently adopt their interests, their opinions, their values, and their habit of interpreting events.
kindness communication compassion
We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.
positive happiness thank-you
He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.
power suffering trying
Suffering arises from trying to control what is uncontrollable, or from neglecting what is within our power.
simple consistency ifs
It's so simple really: If you say you're going to do something, do it. If you start something, finish it.
lunch dying hours
I have to die. If it is now, well then I die now; if later, then now I will take my lunch, since the hour for lunch has arrived - and dying I will tend to later.
effectiveness understanding fundamentals
Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not. It is only after you have faced up to this fundamental rule and learned to distinguish between what you can and can't control that inner tranquility and outer effectiveness become possible.
anger emotional masters
Any person capable of angering you becomes your master.
forgiveness spiritual anger
When you are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger.
inspirational change inspiring
It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.
vices speak accusation
If someone speaks badly of you, do not defend yourself against the accusations, but reply; "you obviously don't know about my other vices, otherwise you would have mentioned these as well