To get or not to get what we desire can be equally disappointing. Epictetus More Quotes by Epictetus More Quotes From Epictetus Know you not that a good man does nothing for appearance sake, but for the sake of having done right? Epictetus good-man doe men When you have decided that a thing ought to be done and are doing it, never avoid bein seen doing it, though many shall form an unfavorable opinion about it. For if it is not right to do it, avoid doing the thing; but if it is right, why are you afraid of those who shall find fault wrongly? Epictetus faults opinion done We need to regularly stop and take stock; to sit down and determine within ourselves which things are worth valuing and which things are not; which risks are worth the cost and which are not. Even the most confusing or hurtful aspects of life can be made more tolerable by clear seeing and by choice. Epictetus gratitude risk choices Circumstances don't make the man, they only reveal him to himself. Epictetus circumstances inspirational men Embrace reality. Think about what delights you - the small luxuries on which you depend, the people whom you cherish most. But remember that they have their own distinct character, which is quite a separate matter from how we happen to regard them. Epictetus character reality thinking Make it your business to draw out the best in others by being an exemplar yourself. Epictetus draws leadership motivational To Epictetus, all external events are determined by fate, and are thus beyond our control, but we can accept whatever happens calmly and dispassionately. Individuals, however, are responsible for their own actions which they can examine and control through rigorous self-discipline. Suffering arises from trying to control what is uncontrollable, or from neglecting what is within our power. As part of the universal city that is the universe, human beings have a duty of care to all fellow humans. The person who followed these precepts would achieve happiness. Epictetus fate cities self Everything has two handles; the one soft and manageable, the other such as will not endure to be touched. If then your brother do you an injury, do not take it by the hot hard handle, by representing to yourself all the aggravating circumstances of the fact; but look rather on the soft side, and extenuate it as much as is possible, by considering the nearness of the relation, and the long friendship and familiarity between you--obligations to kindness which a single provocation ought not to dissolve. And thus you will take the accident by its manageable handle. Epictetus brother kindness two Seek to be the purple thread in the long white gown. Epictetus purple white long Once you know who you are and to whom you are linked, you will know what to do Epictetus linked who-you-are knows Each man's life is a kind of campaign, and a long and complicated one at that. You have to maintain the character of a soldier, and do each separate act at the bidding of the General. Epictetus character men long You bear God within you, poor wretch, and know it not. Epictetus poor religious bears Never call yourself a philosopher, nor talk a great deal among the unlearned about theorems, but act conformably to them. Thus, at an entertainment, don't talk how persons ought to eat, but Epictetus philosopher entertainment remember Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one principle: Some things are within our control, and some things are not. Epictetus clear understanding principles It is a mark of a mean capacity to spend much time on the things which concern the body, such as much exercise, much eating, much drinking, much easing of the body, much copulation. But these things should be done as subordinate things: and let all your care be directed to the mind. Epictetus drinking time mean Do not try to seem wise to others. Epictetus wise seems trying The origin of sorrow is this: to wish for something that does not come to pass. Epictetus sorrow wish doe What hurts this person is not the occurrence itself, for another person might not feel oppressed by this situation at all. What is hurting this person is the response he or she has uncritically adopted. It is not a demonstration of kindness or friendship to the people we care about to join them in indulging in wrongheaded, negative feelings. Epictetus hurt kindness people Freedom is secured not by the fulfillment of one's desires, but by the removal of desire. Epictetus fulfillment live-life desire It is not the events but our viewpoint toward events that is the determining factor. We ought to be more concerned about removing wrong thoughts from the mind than removing tumors and abscesses from the body. Epictetus viewpoints events mind
