40 Of The Greatest Epictetus Quotes From The Stoic Philosopher

Here is a wonderful collection Epictetus Quotes that you are really going to enjoy.

Epictetus, the renowned Stoic philosopher, continues to inspire people who are seeking wisdom and inner peace, even after almost 2000 years after his life.

Born as a slave in Hierapolis, Epictetus eventually gained his freedom and devoted his life to teaching philosophy in Rome and later in Greece.

The main points of his philosophy were documented by his pupil and historian Arrian, his work led to the publishing of The Discourses of Epictetus – A major source of the present-day understanding of Stoic philosophy.

Epictetus is considered one of the most influential Stoic philosophers.

Many of his teachings focused on the importance of self-discipline, personal responsibility, and living a virtuous life.

Epictetus believed that true happiness comes from within, and that external events are beyond our control.

His ideas have had a lasting impact on philosophy and continue to inspire and influence people around the world to this day.

Here are some of the Greatest Epictetus Quotes which perfectly sum up his philosophy of life.

 

Epictetus Quotes

1. “No man is free who is not master of himself.” – Epictetus

 

 

2. “If you are in pain, you will find fortitude. If you hear unpleasant language, you will find patience.” ― Epictetus

 

3. “Only the educated are free.” – Epictetus

 

 

4. “The essence of philosophy is that a man should live so that his happiness depends as little as possible from external causes.” – Epictetus

 

5. “First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” – Epictetus

 

 

6. “Be careful whom you associate with. It is human to imitate the habits of those with whom we interact. We inadvertently adopt their interests, their opinions, their values, and their habit of interpreting events.” ― Epictetus

 

7. “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.” – Epictetus

 

 

8. “He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” – Epictetus

 

9. “Make the best use of what is in your power, and take the rest as it happens.” – Epictetus

 

 

Epictetus Quotes About Life

10. “Let silence be your general rule; or say only what is necessary and in few words.” – Epictetus

 

11. “Do not tie a ship to a single anchor, nor life to a single hope.” – Epictetus

 

 

12. “In prosperity it is very easy to find a friend; but in adversity it is the most difficult of all things.” – Epictetus

 

13. “The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.” – Epictetus

 

 

14. “A man should so live that his happiness shall depend as little as possible on external things.” – Epictetus

 

15. “It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.” – Epictetus

 

 

16. “There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power or our will.” – Epictetus

 

17. “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” – Epictetus

 

 

18. “When someone is properly grounded in life, they should not have to look outside themselves for approval.” – Epictetus

 

19. “First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.” – Epictetus

 

 

Greatest Epictetus Quotes

20. “You are not your body and hair-style, but your capacity for choosing well. If your choices are beautiful, so too will you be.” ― Epictetus

 

21. “Devote the rest of your life to making progress.” ― Epictetus

 

 

22. “Don’t seek to have events happen as you wish, but wish them to happen as they do happen, and all will be well with you.” ― Epictetus

 

23. “Seek not the good in external things; seek it in yourselves.” ― Epictetus

 

 

24. “Suffering arises from trying to control what is uncontrollable, or from neglecting what is within our power.” ― Epictetus

 

25. “No matter what happens, it is within my power to turn it to my advantage.” ― Epictetus

 

 

26. “Keep your attention focused entirely on what is truly your own concern, and be clear that what belongs to others is their business and none of yours.” ― Epictetus

 

27. “Don’t explain your philosophy. Embody it.” ― Epictetus

 

 

28. “When you are offended at any man’s fault, turn to yourself and study your own failings. Then you will forget your anger.” ― Epictetus

 

29. “He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at.” ― Epictetus

 

 

 Famous Epictetus Quotes

30. “God gave man two ears, but only one mouth, that he might hear twice as much as he speaks.” – Epictetus

 

31. “Circumstances don’t make the man, they only reveal him to himself.” ― Epictetus

 

 

32. “Freedom is the only worthy goal in life. It is won by disregarding things that lie beyond our control.” ― Epictetus

 

33. “If you would be a reader, read; if a writer, write.” – Epictetus

 

 

34. “Attach yourself to what is spiritually superior, regardless of what other people think or do. Hold to your true aspirations no matter what is going on around you.” ― Epictetus

 

35. It is not death or pain that is to be feared, but the fear of pain or death.” ― Epictetus

 

 

36. “Small-minded people blame others. Average people blame themselves. The wise see all blame as foolishness.” ― Epictetus

 

37. “People are not disturbed by things, but by the views they take of them.”  ― Epictetus

 

 

38. “Man is not worried by real problems so much as by his imagined anxieties about real problems.” ― Epictetus

 

39. “Events do not just happen, but arrive by appointment.” – Epictetus

 

 

40. “The true man is revealed in difficult times.” ― Epictetus

 

The above collection of Epictetus Quotes on stoicism and the power of our thoughts, highlights the importance of how our perspective and attitude have in shaping our experiences and our life.

Epictetus emphasized the importance of self-discipline and the understanding that we all have control over our own thoughts and actions, but not over external events.

By practicing virtuous (high moral) behavior and focusing on what is within our control, we can start to achieve more peace and happiness in our lives.

Whether you are facing challenges in life or you are just looking for some inspiration, the above Epictetus Quotes offer timeless guidance and wisdom.

 

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