Epictetus Quotes (129 Quotes)

Sickness is a hindrance to the body, but not to the will, unless the will consent. Lameness is a hindrance to the leg, but not to the will. Say this to yourself at each event that happens, for you shall find that though it hinders something else it will not hinder you....

All religions must be tolerated... for every man must get to heaven in his own way.

Nature has given man one tongue, but two ears, that we may hear twice as much as we speak

What will the world be quite overturned when you die

Nature has given to men one tongue, but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak

Only the educated are free.

If evil be spoken of you and it be true, correct yourself, if it be a lie, laugh at it.

So when the crisis is upon you, remember that God, like a trainer of wrestlers, has matched you with a tough and stalwart antagonistthat you may prove a victor at the Great Games. Yet without toil or sweat this may not be.

It is not he who gives abuse that affronts, but the view that we take of it as insulting so that when one provokes you it is your own opinion which is provoking.

Remember that you are an actor in a drama, of such a part as it may please the master to assign you, for a long time or for a little as he may choose. And if he will you to take the part of a poor man, or a cripple, or a ruler, or a private citizen, then may you act that part with grace For to act well the part that is allotted to us, that indeed is ours to do, but to choose it is another s.

First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.

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.

Let death be daily before your eyes, and you will never entertain any abject thought, nor too eagerly covet Anything.

All philosophy lies in two words, sustain and abstain.

We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak.

Control thy passions lest they take vengence on thee.

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.

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?

Liars are the cause of all the sins and crimes in the world.

For it is not death or hardship that is a fearful thing, But the fear of death and hardship.

Demand not that events should happen as you wish, but wish them to happen as they do, and you will go on well.

Where to do think he got that high brow.

Silence is safer than speech.

Freedom is not procured by a full enjoyment of what is desired, but by controlling the desire.

Difficulties are things that show a person what they are.

He is a drunkard who takes more than three glasses though he be not drunk.

The Beginning of Philosophy...is a Consciousness of your own Weakness and inability in necessary things.

A ship should not ride on a single anchor, nor life on a single hope.

You are a little soul carrying around a corpse.