Welcome to the world of Epictetus, where timeless wisdom meets practical philosophy. Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher born in the 1st century AD, left behind a legacy of insightful teachings that continue to resonate with people across the globe. His profound insights into the nature of human existence, the importance of self-discipline, and the pursuit of inner tranquility remain as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
Epictetus’ philosophy centers around the idea of focusing on what is within our control, accepting what is not, and cultivating inner strength and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Through his famous discourses and teachings, he imparted invaluable lessons on how to live a life of virtue, integrity, and contentment, regardless of external circumstances. His teachings have inspired countless individuals to embrace Stoic principles and strive for personal growth and fulfillment.
As you delve into the world of Epictetus quotes below, you’ll discover timeless wisdom that transcends the boundaries of time and culture. Whether you choose to reflect on these quotes, incorporate them into your daily life, or share them with others, may they serve as guiding lights on your journey toward greater wisdom and inner peace.
Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants. Epictetus
Do not seek to bring things to pass in accordance with your wishes, but wish for them as they are, and you will find them. Epictetus
Silence is safer than speech. Epictetus
Neither should a ship rely on one small anchor, nor should life rest on a single hope. Epictetus
We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. Epictetus
Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens. Epictetus
If evil be spoken of you and it be true, correct yourself, if it be a lie, laugh at it. Epictetus
Be careful to leave your sons well instructed rather than rich, for the hopes of the instructed are better than the wealth of the ignorant. Epictetus
Imagine for yourself a character, a model personality, whose example you determine to follow, in private as well as in public. Epictetus
The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best. Epictetus
You are a little soul carrying around a corpse. 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
If you wish to be a writer, write. Epictetus
The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things. Epictetus
We should not moor a ship with one anchor, or our life with one hope. Epictetus
Know, first, who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly. Epictetus
We tell lies, yet it is easy to show that lying is immoral. Epictetus
Not every difficult and dangerous thing is suitable for training, but only that which is conducive to success in achieving the object of our effort. Epictetus
Control thy passions lest they take vengence on thee. Epictetus
The world turns aside to let any man pass who knows where he is going. Epictetus
Freedom is not procured by a full enjoyment of what is desired, but by controlling the desire. Epictetus
There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will. Epictetus
Difficulties are things that show a person what they are. Epictetus
No man is free who is not master of himself. Epictetus
If virtue promises happiness, prosperity and peace, then progress in virtue is progress in each of these for to whatever point the perfection of anything brings us, progress is always an approach toward it. Epictetus
God has entrusted me with myself. Epictetus
Nothing great is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig. I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen. 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
If thy brother wrongs thee, remember not so much his wrong-doing, but more than ever that he is thy brother. Epictetus
The two powers which in my opinion constitute a wise man are those of bearing and forbearing. Epictetus
You may be always victorious if you will never enter into any contest where the issue does not wholly depend upon yourself. Epictetus
People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them. Epictetus
All religions must be tolerated… for every man must get to heaven in his own way. Epictetus
If you desire to be good, begin by believing that you are wicked. Epictetus
If you seek truth you will not seek victory by dishonorable means, and if you find truth you will become invincible. Epictetus
Do not laugh much or often or unrestrainedly. Epictetus
He is a drunkard who takes more than three glasses though he be not drunk. Epictetus
It takes more than just a good looking body. You’ve got to have the heart and soul to go with it. Epictetus
Men are disturbed not by things, but by the view which they take of them. Epictetus
First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do. Epictetus
No greater thing is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen. Epictetus
It is the nature of the wise to resist pleasures, but the foolish to be a slave to them. Epictetus
The greater the difficulty the more glory in surmounting it. Skillful pilots gain their reputation from storms and tempests. Epictetus
Keep silence for the most part, and speak only when you must, and then briefly. Epictetus
One that desires to excel should endeavor in those things that are in themselves most excellent. 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
It is impossible to begin to learn that which one thinks one already knows. Epictetus
Freedom is the right to live as we wish. Epictetus
Unless we place our religion and our treasure in the same thing, religion will always be sacrificed. Epictetus
Never in any case say I have lost such a thing, but I have returned it. Is your child dead? It is a return. Is your wife dead? It is a return. Are you deprived of your estate? Is not this also a return? Epictetus
Only the educated are free. Epictetus
Whenever you are angry, be assured that it is not only a present evil, but that you have increased a habit. Epictetus
First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak. Epictetus
It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters. Epictetus
No great thing is created suddenly. Epictetus
It is not death or pain that is to be dreaded, but the fear of pain or death. Epictetus
If one oversteps the bounds of moderation, the greatest pleasures cease to please. Epictetus
Is freedom anything else than the right to live as we wish? Nothing else. Epictetus
Whoever does not regard what he has as most ample wealth, is unhappy, though he be master of the world. Epictetus
When you are offended at any man’s fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger. Epictetus
If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid. Epictetus
There is nothing good or evil save in the will. Epictetus
It is not he who reviles or strikes you who insults you, but your opinion that these things are insulting. Epictetus
Practice yourself, for heaven’s sake in little things, and then proceed to greater. Epictetus
All philosophy lies in two words, sustain and abstain. Epictetus