Epictetus Quotes

Difficulties are things that show a person what they are.

People are not disturbed by things, but by the view they take of them.

No greater thing is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen.

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

If one oversteps the bounds of moderation, the greatest pleasures cease to please.

We should not moor a ship with one anchor, or our life with one hope.

He is a drunkard who takes more than three glasses though he be not drunk.

It is impossible for a man to learn what he thinks he already knows.

If someone speaks badly of you, do not defend yourself against the accusations, but reply; “you obviously don’t know about my other vices, otherwise you would have mentioned these as well

All philosophy lies in two words, sustain and abstain.

Any person capable of angering you becomes your master.

Never in any case say I have lost such a thing, but I have returned it. Is your child dead? It is a return. Is your wife dead? It is a return. Are you deprived of your estate? Is not this also a return?

If you want to improve, be content to be thought foolish and stupid.

It is the nature of the wise to resist pleasures, but the foolish to be a slave to them.