Quotes from Epictetus

End the habit of despising things that are not within your power

What, then, is your own? The way you live your life.

If you are praised by others, be skeptical of yourself. For it is no easy feat to hold onto your inner harmony while collecting accolades.

Continually remind yourself that you are a mortal being, and someday will die.

that you never be unfortunate or unhappy, but free, unrestricted and unrestrained; in sympathy with God's rule, which you submit to cheerfully; at odds with no one, no one's accuser; able in all sincerity to speak Cleanthes' line: 'Lead me, Zeus, lead me, Destiny.

Wisdom's seat is higher; she trains not the hands, but is mistress of our minds.

It is not your concern by what means something returns to the Source from which it came.

And then we'll be emulating Socrates,* once we're able to write hymns of praise in prison.

When you attend the games, do not get emotionally invested in the rivalry. Wish only that the best team or athlete wins. Avoid the extremes of elation at a win and devastation at a loss.

It is not the events but our viewpoint toward events that is the determining factor. We ought to be more concerned about removing wrong thoughts from the mind than removing tumors and abscesses from the body.

No, I cannot escape death, but at least I can escape the fear of it — or do I have to die moaning and groaning too?

You cannot choose the era, nationality, family, and body into which you are born. But to act well in your given role—this is your sphere of power.