Famous Quotes by Epictetus

Below are famous quotes by Epictetus - Roman (Greek-born) slave & Stoic philosopher (55 AD - 135 AD).

A wise man is he who does not grieve for the thing which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.

Bear in mind that you should conduct yourself in life as at a feast.

Control thy passions, lest they take vengeance on thee.

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.

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

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

If you do not wish to be prone to anger, do not feed the habit; give it nothing which may tend to its increase.

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

Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.

No man is free who is not master of himself.

Only the educated are free.

Preach not to others what they should eat, but eat as becomes you, and be silent.

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.

The good or ill of a man lies within his own will.

The two powers which in my opinion constitute a wise man are those of bearing and forebearing.

There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.

We have two ears and one mouth so we may listen more and talk the less.

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