Memorable Quotes and quotations from EpictetusEpictetus Roman (Greek-born) slave & Stoic philosopher (55 AD - 135 AD)Epictetus - Serendipity - If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid. Epictetus - - The two powers which in my opinion constitute a wise man are those of bearing and forebearing. Epictetus - Discourses - What is the first business of one who practices philosophy? To get rid of self-conceit. For it is impossible for anyone to begin to learn that which he thinks he already knows. Epictetus - - First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak. Epictetus - - If you do not wish to be prone to anger, do not feed the habit; give it nothing which may tend to its increase. Epictetus - - No man is free who is not master of himself. Epictetus - - A wise man is he who does not grieve for the thing which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. Epictetus - - First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. Epictetus - - Bear in mind that you should conduct yourself in life as at a feast. Epictetus - - Control thy passions, lest they take vengeance on thee. Epictetus - - Difficulties show men what they are. In case of any difficulty remember that God has pitted you against a rough antagonist that you may be a conqueror, and this cannot be without toil. Epictetus - - We have two ears and one mouth so we may listen more and talk the less. Epictetus - Discourses - When you close your doors, and make darkness within, remember never to say that you are alone, for you are not alone; nay, God is within, and your genius is within. And what need have they of light to see what you are doing? Epictetus - - First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. Epictetus - - The good or ill of a man lies within his own will. Epictetus - - Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens. Epictetus - - First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. Epictetus - - Only the educated are free. Epictetus - - First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak. Epictetus - - There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will. Epictetus - - Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly. Epictetus - - Preach not to others what they should eat, but eat as becomes you, and be silent. Epictetus - - Tell me where I can escape death: discover for me the country, show me the men to whom I must go, whom death does not visit. Discover to me a charm against death. If I have not one, what do you wish me to do? I cannot escape from death, but shall I die lamenting and trembling? . . . Therefore if I am able to change externals according to my wish, I change them: but if I cannot, I am ready to tear the eyes out of him who hinders me. Epictetus - Discourses - When you close your doors, and make darkness within, remember never to say that you are alone, for you are not alone; nay, God is within, and your genius is within. And what need have they of light to see what you are doing? Epictetus - Enchiridion - It is the action of an uninstructed person to reproach others for his own misfortune; of one entering instruction, to reproach himself; and one perfectly instructed, to reproach neither others nor himself. Epictetus - Discourses - Only the educated are free. |
|