Quotes By Epictetus

Men are disturbed not by things, but by the view which they take of them.

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.

Neither should a ship rely on one small anchor, nor should life rest on a single hope.

All philosophy lies in two words, sustain and abstain.

Whoever does not regard what he has as most ample wealth, is unhappy, though he be master of the world.

Unless we place our religion and our treasure in the same thing, religion will always be sacrificed.

People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them.

Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.

He is a drunkard who takes more than three glasses though he be not drunk.

Practice yourself, for heaven's sake in little things, and then proceed to greater.

The greater the difficulty the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests.

It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.

Freedom is not procured by a full enjoyment of what is desired, but by controlling the desire.

God has entrusted me with myself.

Whenever you are angry, be assured that it is not only a present evil, but that you have increased a habit.

If virtue promises happiness, prosperity and peace, then progress in virtue is progress in each of these for to whatever point the perfection of anything brings us, progress is always an approach toward it.

When you are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger.

The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.

It is not he who reviles or strikes you who insults you, but your opinion that these things are insulting.

You are a little soul carrying around a corpse.

If you wish to be a writer, write.

Do not laugh much or often or unrestrainedly.

If you desire to be good, begin by believing that you are wicked.

Not every difficult and dangerous thing is suitable for training, but only that which is conducive to success in achieving the object of our effort.

If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.

The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things.

Control thy passions lest they take vengence on thee.

Know, first, who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly.