What are some timeless lessons from Epictetus?
Explore the wisdom of the Stoic philosopher, Epictetus, whose thoughts on self-control, happiness, and wisdom continue to inspire generations. Read and listen a few of his profound quotes and sayings.
“It isn’t the events themselves that disturb people, but only their judgements about them.” Epictetus
“There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will.” Epictetus
“No man is free who is not master of himself.” Epictetus
“People are not disturbed by things, but by the views they take of them.” Epictetus
“It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.” Epictetus
“Deliberate much before saying or doing anything, for you will not have the power of recalling what is said or done.” Epictetus
“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” Epictetus
“Circumstances don’t make the man, they only reveal him to himself.” Epictetus
“Man is not worried by real problems so much as by his imagined anxieties about real problems.” Epictetus
“If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.” Epictetus
“To accuse others for one's own misfortune is a sign of want of education. To accuse oneself shows that one's education has begun. To accuse neither oneself nor others shows that one's education is complete.” Epictetus
“Any person capable of angering you becomes your master; he can anger you only when you permit yourself to be disturbed by him.” Epictetus
“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” Epictetus
“Who is your master? Anyone who has control over things upon which you’ve set your heart, or over things which you seek to avoid.” Epictetus
“The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.” Epictetus
“He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at.” Epictetus
“In prosperity it is very easy to find a friend; but in adversity it is the most difficult of all things.” Epictetus
“Remember, it is not enough to be hit or insulted to be harmed, you must believe that you are being harmed. If someone succeeds in provoking you, realize that your mind is complicit in the provocation.” Epictetus
“It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” Epictetus
