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
confidence should belief-in-self
We should do everything both cautiously and confidently at the same time.
taken roots coward
Covetousness like jealousy, when it has taken root, never leaves a person, but with their life. Cowardice is the dread of what will happen.
men shells unlikely
It is unlikely that the good of a snail should reside in its shell: so is it likely that the good of a man should?
focus world duty
Getting distracted by trifles is the easiest thing in the world… Focus on your main duty
mad people wish
Who are those people by whom you wish to be admired? Are they not these whom you are in the habit of saying that they are mad? What then? Do you wish to be admired by the mad?
men casting-off body
As a man, casting off worn out garments taketh new ones, so the dweller in the body, entereth into ones that are new.
eye soul crow
Crows pick out the eyes of the dead, when the dead have no longer need of them; but flatterers mar the soul of the living, and her eyes they blind.
summer winter opposites
It has been ordained that there be summer and winter, abundance and dearth, virtue and vice, and all such opposites for the harmony of the whole, and (Zeus) has given each of us a body, property, and companions.
people judgment
What disturbs people, these are not things, but the judgments relating to things
strive unending strife
With ills unending strives the putter off.
life men trying
Try to enjoy the great festival of life with other men!
ego world narcissism
What will the world be quite overturned when you die?
life thinking way
What really frightens and dismays us is not external events themselves, but the way in which we think about them. It is not things that disturb us, but our interpretation of their significance.
life children citizens
Ask yourself, "How are my thoughts, words and deeds affecting my friends, my spouse, my neighbour, my child, my employer, my subordinates, my fellow citizens?"