Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher. He was born a slave at Hierapolis, Phrygia (present day Pamukkale, Turkey) and lived in Rome until his banishment, when he went to Nicopolis in northwestern Greece for the rest of his life. His teachings were written down and published by his pupil Arrian in his Discourses and Enchiridion. Epictetus taught that philosophy is a way of life and not just a theoretical discipline. To Epictetus, all external events are beyond our control; we should accept calmly and dispassionately whatever happens. However, individuals are responsible for their own actions, which they can examine and control through rigorous self-discipline. Contemplate upon his quotes to fully derive the wisdom that he is sharing, he has some of the best quotes I have ever come across. May his quotes inspire you to be free and take action so that you may live your dreams.
1. “Keep silence for the most part, and speak only when you must, and then briefly.” Epictetus
2. “It is your own convictions which compels you; that is, choice compels choice.” Epictetus
3. “He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at.” Epictetus
4. “Any person capable of angering you becomes your master.” Epictetus
5. “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” Epictetus
6. “We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.” Epictetus
7. “He who is free in the body, but bound in the soul is a slave; but on the contrary he who is bound in the body, but free in the soul, is truly free.” Epictetus
8. “Don’t demand or expect that events happen as you would wish them do. Accept events as they actually happen. That way, peace is possible.” Epictetus
9. “Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.” Epictetus
10. “There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” Epictetus
11. “Events do not just happen, but arrive by appointment.” Epictetus
12. “Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle. Some things are within your control. And some things are not.” Epictetus
13. “What ought one to say then as each hardship comes? I was practicing for this, I was training for this.” Epictetus
14. “Every habit and faculty is preserved and increased by correspondent actions.” Epictetus
15. “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” Epictetus
16. “Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.” Epictetus
17. “Fortify yourself with moderation; for this is an impregnable fortress.” Epictetus
18. “Life is short. Prefer honest life to long yet shameful life.” Epictetus
19. “To accuse of 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
20. “It is the nature of the wise to resist pleasures, but the foolish to be a slave to them.” Epictetus
21. “You should act without the approval of others.” Epictetus
22. “Suffering arises from trying to control what is uncontrollable, or from neglecting what is within our power.” Epictetus
23. “The essence of philosophy is that a man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things.” Epictetus
24. “No great thing is created suddenly.” Epictetus
25. “It is not events that disturb the minds of men, but the view they take of them.” Epictetus
26. “If you want to be a writer, write.” Epictetus
27. “Circumstances don’t make the man, they only reveal him to himself.” Epictetus
28. “If you seek truth you will not seek victory by dishonorable means, and if you find truth you will become invincible.” Epictetus
29. “Keep death and exile daily before thine eyes, with all else that men deem terrible, but more especially death. Then wilt thou never think a mean thought, nor covet anything beyond measure.” Epictetus
30. “It is impossible to begin to learn that which one thinks one already knows.” Epictetus
31. “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not but rejoices for those which he has.” Epictetus
32. “The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.” Epictetus
33. “No man is free who is not a master of himself.” Epictetus
34. “It takes more than just a good looking body. You’ve got to have the heart and soul to go with it.” Epictetus
35. “If you want any good, get it from within.” Epictetus
36. “Be not diverted from your duty by any idle reflections the silly world may make upon you.” Epictetus
37. “Know first who you are then adorn yourself accordingly.” Epictetus
38. “Only the educated are free.” Epictetus
39. “Freedom is the right to live as we wish.” Epictetus
40. “First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” Epictetus
