Epictetus's Sayings

Epictetus (55–135). A Stoic philosopher who lived in Greece during the Roman Empire

He is known for his teachings with a religious tendency, which earned him the respect of early Christian thinkers. Epictetus is said to have not written any works, and the "Discourses" and "Enchiridion" are records of his teachings by his disciple, Arrian. As a political theorist, Epictetus believed that humans are part of a grand system that can understand both God and humanity. Although he was a slave in his youth, he was able to attend the lectures of the Stoic philosopher Musonius Rufus. He later became a freedman, but was a cripple and suffered from poor health throughout his life. In AD 90, Emperor Domitian exiled him from Rome because he disliked the Stoics, who often spoke favorably of those who opposed his tyranny. Epictetus spent the rest of his life in Nicopolis.

○ There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or will of our own to change.

○ He who can laugh at himself will never cease to have something to laugh at.

○ First think of what you want to be, and then do what you have to do.

○ It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.

○ Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.

○ Fine things are not achieved in a short time, but as the fruit of a tree, if you desire fruit, you must await the time when it is ripe. You must wait for the spring and the summer.

○ Consider why Hercules became a hero. If there were no ancient monsters or villains to plague mankind, and if he had not challenged and overcome them, would he have been a hero?

○ Do not expect to achieve anything great while remaining in one place and doing nothing.

○ There will be times and places in life when you will be tempted to turn your attention to other things or to indulge in pleasure. But never let them overshadow the true purpose of your life.

○ The small-minded man blames others; the average man blames himself; the wise man blames nobody.

○ It is impossible to desire that others should see you as you see yourself.

○ Never do anything to another which you would not have them do to you.