Quotes from Epictetus

To accuse others for one's own misfortunes is a sign of want of education. To accuse oneself shows that one's education has begun. To accuse neither oneself nor others shows that one's education is complete.

What is it that every man seeks? To be secure, to be happy, to do what he pleases without restraint and without compulsion.

When a man is proud because he can understand and explain the writings of Chrysippus, say to yourself, 'if Chrysippus had not written obscurely, this man would have had nothing to be proud of.'

If you think you control things that are in the control of others, you will lament. You will be disturbed and you will blame both gods and men.

No man is free who is not master of himself... Is freedom anything else than the power of living as we choose?

Try to enjoy the great festival of life with other men!

What disturbs and alarms man are not the things, but his opinions and fancies about the things.

Some of their faults men readily admit, but others not so readily.

In theory it is easy to convince an ignorant person; in actual life, men not only object to offer themselves to be convinced, but hate the man who has convinced them.

Let no man think that he is loved by any who loveth none.

It is not events that disturb the minds of men, but the view they take of them.

Nature hath given men one tongue but two ears, that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.

To adorn our characters by the charm of an amiable nature shows at once a lover of beauty and a lover of man.

There are some things which men confess with ease, and others with difficulty.

The appearance of things to the mind is the standard of every action to man.

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

If I can acquire money and also keep myself modest and faithful and magnanimous, point out the way, and I will acquire it.

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

Authentic happiness is always independent of external conditions.

The good or ill of a man lies within his own will.

When your thoughts, words, and deeds form a seamless fabric, you streamline your efforts and thus eliminate worry and dread.

Getting distracted by trifles is the easiest thing in the world… Focus on your main duty

The flourishing life cannot be achieved until we moderate our desires and see how superficial and fleeting they are.

If you can make music with someone you don't need words. If you wish to be a writer, write.