To be getting an education means this: to be learning what is your own, and what is not your own. Epictetus More Quotes by Epictetus More Quotes From Epictetus Suffering arises from trying to control what is uncontrollable, or from neglecting what is within our power. Epictetus power suffering trying I laugh at those who think they can damage me. They do not know who I am, they do not know what I think, they cannot even touch the things which are really mine and with which I live. Epictetus who-i-am laughing thinking It is our attitude toward events, not events themselves, which we can control. Nothing is by its own nature calamitous -- even death is terrible only if we fear it. Epictetus events inspiring attitude There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will. Epictetus success happy happiness Nothing truly stops you. Nothing truly holds you back. For your own will is always within your control. Sickness may challenge your body. But are you merely your body? Lameness may impede your legs. But you are not merely your legs. Your will is bigger than your legs. Your will needn't be affected by an incident unless you let it. Epictetus body challenges positive What matters most is what sort of person you are becoming. Wise individuals care only about whom they are today and who they can be tomorrow. Epictetus what-matters care wise No matter what happens, it is within my power to turn it to my advantage. Epictetus failure mistake inspirational You have been given your own work to do. Get to it right now, do your best at it, and don't be concerned with who is watching you. Create your own merit. Epictetus concerned merit given Wisdom means understanding without any doubt that circumstances do not rise to meet our expectations. Events happen as they may. People behave as they will. Epictetus expectations mean people Happiness and personal fulfillment are the natural consequences of doing the right thing. Epictetus doing-the-right-thing fulfillment natural Freedom and happiness come from understanding - and working with - our limits. Begin at once a program of self-mastery. Stick with your purpose. Do not seek external approval. Do not worry about anything outside of your control. The only things you command are your thoughts and actions. We choose our response. Stop aspiring to be anyone other than your own best self: for that does fall within your control. Epictetus self worry fall Who exactly do you want to be? What kind of person do you Epictetus determination wise writing A ship should not be held by a single anchor; neither should life depend upon a single hope. Epictetus ships anchors should To live a life of virtue, you have to become consistent, even when it isn't convenient, comfortable, or easy. Epictetus virtue spiritual easy We all carry the seeds of greatness within us, but we need an image as a point of focus in order that they may sprout. Epictetus greatness focus order Other people's views and troubles can be contagious. Don't sabotage yourself by unwittingly adopting negative, unproductive attitudes through your associations with others. Epictetus views attitude people No matter where you find yourself, comport yourself as if you were a distinguished person. Epictetus finding-yourself matter life What is a good person? One who achieves tranquillity by having formed the habit of asking on every occasion, "what is the right thing to do now?" Epictetus good-person asking life It is not a demonstration of kindness or friendship to the people we care about to join them in indulging in wrongheaded, negative feelings. We do a better service to ourselves and others by remaining detached and avoiding melodramatic reactions. Epictetus kindness motivational people When you are offended at any man's fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger. Epictetus forgiveness wisdom spiritual
