Epictetus was one of the most influential philosophers of Stoicism. His reflections on freedom, self-control, and our response to life’s challenges remain relevant today. The following 30 sayings are freely translated and closely paraphrased from ideas found in his Enchiridion and Discourses; they are not verbatim quotations from a particular English edition.
Quotes
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„Some things are within our control, while others are not.“
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„People are disturbed not by events themselves, but by their judgments about those events.“
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„If you wish to be free, do not desire what depends on other people.“
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„Do not insist that events happen as you wish; instead, learn to accept them as they happen.“
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„When something troubles you, remember that it is your opinion about it that disturbs you.“
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„Do not regard what you love as yours forever; remember that it has been entrusted to you for a time.“
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„When you kiss your child, remember that you are kissing a mortal human being.“
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„Illness is an obstacle to the body, but not necessarily to the will.“
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„Lameness is an obstacle to the leg, but not to your power of choice.“
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„It is not the event that is frightening, but the impression you form of it.“
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„If someone insults you, understand that what hurts you is your belief that you have been insulted.“
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„Do not let your first impression carry you away before you have examined it.“
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„No one can take away your freedom of choice unless you surrender it yourself.“
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„Do not take pride in an advantage that belongs to your body or possessions rather than your character.“
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„If you want to make progress, accept that you may appear foolish in the eyes of others.“
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„Do not seek praise for studying philosophy; show its fruits through your actions.“
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„Do not endlessly explain your principles; live by them.“
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„First decide what kind of person you want to be, and then act accordingly.“
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„It is not enough to know what is good; you must put it into practice.“
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„When you see someone weeping, do not rush to assume that the event itself is an evil.“
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„Do not envy someone who has received honors when you do not know the price paid for them.“
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„If you seek peace of mind, do not try to control what lies beyond your power.“
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„Remember that you are an actor in a play whose length and role you do not choose.“
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„Your task is not to choose the role, but to play it well.“
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„At the banquet of life, accept what comes to you without clinging to it.“
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„If something has not yet come your way, do not reach for it impatiently.“
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„Do not call it a loss when you return something you never possessed unconditionally.“
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„No one can make you a slave if your desires are not in their power.“
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„When someone acts badly, remember that they act according to what seems right to them.“
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„Do not seek to appear wise; strive to be wise.“