Quotes from Epictetus
We are not to give credit to the many, who say that none ought to be educated but the free but rather to the philosophers, who say that the well-educated alone are free.
- Epictetus
To accuse others for one's own misfortunes 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
Were I a nightingale, I would sing like a nightingale; were I a swan, like a swan. But as it is, I am a rational being, therefore I must sing hymns of praise to God.
- Epictetus
It is not death or pain that is to be dreaded, but the fear of pain or death.
- 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
Everything has two handles,--one by which it may be borne another by which it cannot.
- Epictetus
Nature gave us one tongue and two ears so we could hear twice as much as we speak.
- Epictetus
We have two ears and one mouth so we may listen more and talk the less.
- Epictetus
It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.
- Epictetus
If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.
- 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
Circumstances don't make the man, they only reveal him to himself.
- Epictetus