Epictetus
c. 50-135 CE • Greek-Roman
Stoicism
Greek Stoic philosopher born into slavery. His Enchiridion teaches that freedom comes from focusing only on what we can control.
Key Works
- Enchiridion
- Discourses
112
quotes in library
Quotes by Epictetus
112 quotes“That nothing happens against our will, and nothing that we wish for fails to happen.”
harmonyDiscourses 2.14
“He who has learnt to know his own thoughts has learnt the world.”
self-knowledgeDiscourses 1.20
“Better silence than mistakes.”
silenceEnchiridion 33
“In all things — silence first, then careful speech.”
speechEnchiridion 33
“What progress, you ask, have I made? — I have begun to be a friend to myself.”
self-friendshipDiscourses 1.4
“Such a man is never alone, but is always with the Friend within.”
interiorityDiscourses 1.4
“Eternally great is he who has gained dominion over himself.”
masteryDiscourses 4.6
“And what is wealth? — Few wants.”
wealthDiscourses 4.4
“And what is power? — Mastery of one's own desires.”
powerDiscourses 4.4
“All philosophy lies in two words — sustain and abstain.”
essenceFragments
“Don't explain your philosophy. Embody it.”
integrityDiscourses 3.21
“If you wish to be a writer, write.”
actionDiscourses 4.4
“You become what you give your attention to.”
attentionDiscourses 4.4
“Things are as they are, not as your judgment dresses them.”
perceptionEnchiridion 5
“Take responsibility — but for what is yours, not for what isn't.”
responsibilityDiscourses 1.1
“What is freedom? — To live without grief, without fear, without disturbance.”
freedomDiscourses 4.1
“Self-mastery is the only mastery worth holding.”
masteryDiscourses 1.18
“He who has gained mastery of his judgments is unshakeable.”
judgmentDiscourses 4.5
“He who is a partaker of the divine nature must not behave like a slave to bodily pleasure.”
divineDiscourses 2.8
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