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
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
answer bear bunch created desire grapes great greek-philosopher
Nothing great is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig. I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen.
action constant materials
The materials of action are variable, but the use we make of them should be constant
suffering thyself
What thou avoidest suffering thyself seek not to impose on others.
suffering thyself
What thou avoidest suffering thyself seek not to impose on others.
changed knows
Have the wisdom to know what cannot be changed, and the strength to change what can.
merit given concerned
You have been given your own work to do. Get to it right now, do your best at it, and don't be concerned with who is watching you. Create your own merit.
grief spirit hunger
It is better to die of hunger having lived without grief and fear, than to live with a troubled spirit, amid abundance
kindness people feelings
It is not a demonstration of kindness or friendship to the people we care about to join them in indulging in wrongheaded, negative feelings. We do a better service to ourselves and others by remaining detached and avoiding melodramatic reactions.