Quotes from Epictetus
He is a man of sense who does not grieve for what he has not, but rejoices in what he has.
- Epictetus
It is no easy thing for a principle to become a man's own unless each day he maintains it and works it out in his life.
- Epictetus
Freedom is not procured by a full enjoyment of what is desired, but by controlling that desire.
- Epictetus
Ruin and recovery are both from within.
- Epictetus
There is nothing good or evil save in the will.
- Epictetus
We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.
- Epictetus
It is the nature of the wise to resist pleasures, but the foolish to be a slave to them.
- Epictetus
He who exercises wisdom exercises the knowledge which is about God.
- Epictetus
It is difficulties that show what men are.
- Epictetus
If a man is unhappy, remember that his unhappiness is his own fault, for God made all men to be happy.
- Epictetus
Law intends indeed to do service to human life, but it is not able when men do not choose to accept her services; for it is only in those who are obedient to her that she displays her special virtue.
- Epictetus
If any be unhappy, let him remember that he is unhappy by reason of himself alone. For God hath made all men to enjoy felicity and constancy of good.
- Epictetus