If you desire to be good, begin by believing that you are wicked.
More Quotes from Epictetus:
It is the nature of the wise to resist pleasures, but the foolish to be a slave to them.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
He who exercises wisdom exercises the knowledge which is about God.
Epictetus
Freedom is the right to live as we wish.
Epictetus
In theory it is easy to convince an ignorant person in actual life, men not only object to offer themselves to be convinced, but hate the man who has convinced them.
Epictetus
Keep silence for the most part, and speak only when you must, and then briefly.
Epictetus
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