Epictetus Quotes

Suffering arises from trying to control what is uncontrollable, or from neglecting what is within our power.

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

If you desire to be good, begin by believing that you are wicked.

It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.

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.

If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.

Nothing truly stops you. Nothing truly holds you back. For your own will is always within your control.

There is nothing good or evil save in the will.

Whenever you are angry, be assured that it is not only a present evil, but that you have increased a habit.

The world turns aside to let any man pass who knows where he is going.

Know, first, who you are, and then adorn yourself accordingly.

Be careful whom you associate with. It is human to imitate the habits of those with whom we interact. We inadvertently adopt their interests, their opinions, their values, and their habit of interpreting events.

We tell lies, yet it is easy to show that lying is immoral.

If thy brother wrongs thee, remember not so much his wrong-doing, but more than ever that he is thy brother.

One that desires to excel should endeavor in those things that are in themselves most excellent.

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

Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.