Law intends indeed to do service to human life, but it is not able when men do not choose to accept her services; for it is only in those who are obedient to her that she displays her special virtue. Epictetus More Quotes by Epictetus More Quotes From Epictetus God has made all men to be happy. Epictetus made happiness men If anyone tells you that a certain person speaks ill of you, do not make excuses about what is said of you but answer, "He was ignorant of my other faults, else he would not have mentioned these alone. Epictetus ignorant humility philosophy Imagine for yourself a character, a model personality, whose example you determine to follow, in private as well as in public. Epictetus follow-your-heart role-models character Difficulty shows what men are. Therefore when a difficulty falls upon you, remember that God, like a trainer of wrestlers, has matched you with a rough young man. Why? So that you may become an Olympic conqueror; but it is not accomplished without sweat. Epictetus wisdom inspirational fall Who is not attracted by bright and pleasant children, to prattle, to creep, and to play with them? Epictetus society play children It is not death or pain that is to be dreaded, but the fear of pain or death. Epictetus depressing pain love Practice yourself, for heaven's sake, in little things, and thence proceed to greater. Epictetus philosophical discipline practice It is not he who reviles or strikes you who insults you, but your opinion that these things are insulting. Epictetus insults-you philosophical life When we act pugnaciously, and injuriously, and angrily, and rudely, to what level have we degenerated? To the level of the wild beasts. Well, the fact is that some of us are wild beasts of a larger size, while others are little animals, malignant and petty. Epictetus levels anger animal When you let go of your attention for a little while, do not think you may recover it whenever you please. Epictetus spiritual letting-go thinking If you do not wish to be prone to anger, do not feed the habit; give it nothing which may tend to its increase. At first, keep quiet and count the days when you were not angry: "I used to be angry every day, then every other day: next, every two, then every three days!" and if you succeed in passing thirty days, sacrifice to the gods in thanksgiving. Epictetus sacrifice giving two Consider the bigger picture.....think things through and fully commit! Epictetus bigger life thinking If I can acquire money and also keep myself modest and faithful and magnanimous, point out the way, and I will acquire it. Epictetus faithful money way So you wish to conquer in the Olympic Games, my friend? And I, too... But first mark the conditions and the consequences. You will have to put yourself under discipline; to eat by rule, to avoid cakes and sweetmeats; to take exercise at the appointed hour whether you like it or not, in cold and heat; to abstain from cold drinks and wine at your will. Then, in the conflict itself you are likely enough to dislocate your wrist or twist your ankle, to swallow a great deal of dust, to be severely thrashed, and after all of these things, to be defeated. Epictetus wine dust exercise Exceed due measure, and the most delightful things become the least delightful. Epictetus delightful-things delightful dues It doesn't take much to lose everything, just a little departure from reason Epictetus departure reason littles Have the wisdom to know what cannot be changed, and the strength to change what can. Epictetus changed knows It is not my place in society that makes me well off, but my judgements, and these I can carry with me... These alone are my own and cannot be taken away. Epictetus wells judgement taken What is the first business of one who practices philosophy? To get rid of self-conceit. For it is impossible for anyone to begin to learn that which he thinks he already knows. Epictetus learning business philosophy Don't just say you have read books. Show that through them you have learned to think better, to be a more discriminating and reflective person. Books are the training weights of the mind. They are very helpful, but it would be a bad mistake to suppose that one has made progress simply by having internalized their contents." Translation by Sharon Lebell Epictetus mistake book thinking
