Epictetus

34 quotes

Lived: 55 – 135 · Birth/death years approximate
Era: Classical antiquity
Place: Hierapolis / Nicopolis (Roman Greece)

Stoic teacher who stressed what we can control — judgment and response — over externals.

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A wise man does not grieve for what he has not, but rejoices for what he has.
— EpictetusGratitude
He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.
— EpictetusGratitude
It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.
— EpictetusSpiritual
Men are disturbed, not by things, but by the principles and notions which they form concerning things.
— EpictetusSpiritual
You can be invincible, if you enter into no contest in which it is not in your power to conquer.
— EpictetusCourage
Begin then from little things. At such price is sold freedom from perturbation; at such price is sold tranquillity; but nothing is got for nothing.
— EpictetusGrowth
Remember that in life you ought to behave as at a banquet. Stretch out your hand and take a portion with decency. Suppose that it passes by you: do not detain it. Suppose that it is not yet come to you: do not send your desire forward to it, but wait till it is opposite to you.
— EpictetusGratitude
Disease is an impediment to the body, but not to the will, unless the will itself chooses. Lameness is an impediment to the leg, but not to the will.
— EpictetusStrength
If labor be presented to you, you will find that it is endurance. If it be abusive words, you will find it to be patience.
— EpictetusStrength
On the occasion of every accident that befalls you, remember to turn to yourself and inquire what power you have for turning it to use.
— EpictetusStrength
Seek not that the things which happen should happen as you wish; but wish the things which happen to be as they are, and you will have a tranquil flow of life.
— EpictetusSpiritual
Straightway practise saying to every harsh appearance: You are an appearance, and in no manner what you appear to be. Then examine it by the rules which you possess.
— EpictetusSpiritual
Remember that thou art an actor in a play, of such a kind as the author may choose. For this is your duty, to act well the part that is given to you; but to select the part belongs to another.
— EpictetusSpiritual
What then is your own? The use of appearances. Consequently when in the use of appearances you are conformable to nature, then be elated, for then you will be elated at something good which is your own.
— EpictetusSpiritual
And the things in our power are by nature free, not subject to restraint or hindrance.
— EpictetusStoic
If you think that only which is your own to be your own, and if you think that what is another's, as it really is, belongs to another, no man will ever compel you, no man will hinder you.
— EpictetusStoic
I intended also to maintain my will in a way conformable to nature; but I shall not maintain it so if I am vexed at what happens.
— EpictetusStoic
It is the act of an ill-instructed man to blame others for his own bad condition; it is the act of one who has begun to be instructed, to lay the blame on himself; and of one whose instruction is completed, neither to blame another, nor himself.
— EpictetusStoic
When then a man irritates you, you must know that it is your own opinion which has irritated you. Therefore especially try not to be carried away by the appearance. For if you once gain time and delay, you will more easily master yourself.
— EpictetusStoic
And remember that if you abide in the same principles, these men who first ridiculed will afterwards admire you.
— EpictetusStoic
Be satisfied then in everything with being a philosopher; and if you wish to seem also to any person to be a philosopher, appear so to yourself, and you will be able to do this.
— EpictetusStoic
But it is enough if every man fully discharges the work that is his own.
— EpictetusStoic
Besides, which would you rather have, money or a faithful and modest friend?
— EpictetusStoic
So far as words then do not be unwilling to show him sympathy, and even if it happens so, to lament with him.
— EpictetusStoic
For whatever of these things results, it is in my power to derive benefit from it.
— EpictetusStoic
Does a brother wrong you? Maintain then your own position towards him, and do not examine what he is doing, but what you must do that your will shall be conformable to nature.
— EpictetusStoic
God has introduced man to be a spectator of God and of his works; and not only a spectator of them, but an interpreter.
— EpictetusStoic
Bring now, O Zeus, any difficulty that thou pleasest, for I have means given to me by thee and powers for honoring myself through the things which happen.
— EpictetusStoic
Have you not received greatness of soul? Have you not received manliness? Have you not received endurance?
— EpictetusStoic
Take care then not to die without having been spectators of these things.
— EpictetusStoic
And why do I trouble myself about anything that can happen if I possess greatness of soul?
— EpictetusStrength
If you would improve, submit to be considered without sense and foolish with respect to externals.
— EpictetusGrowth
It is circumstances which show what men are. Therefore when a difficulty falls upon you, remember that God, like a trainer of wrestlers, has matched you with a rough young man.
— EpictetusStoic
Every habit and faculty is maintained and increased by the corresponding actions: the habit of walking by walking, the habit of running by running. If you would be a good reader, read; if a writer, write.
— EpictetusStoic